Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB888

Introduced
1/31/25  

Caption

Stop Sports Blackouts Act of 2025This bill requires cable and satellite broadcast providers to issue rebates to customers who are denied access to video programming included in their subscription because of programming negotiations. Specifically, where a provider’s negotiations related to the retransmission or carriage of video programming result in the provider failing to offer access to programming included in a customer’s subscription, the customer must be issued a rebate for the affected period. The Federal Communications Commission is directed to issue rules to this effect, including to establish the appropriate amount for such a rebate.  

Impact

The implications of this bill extend to both consumers and video service providers. By ensuring that subscribers receive financial compensation for blackouts, the bill supports consumer rights and addresses frustrations experienced by viewers during high-stakes sports events. The anticipated regulations from the FCC could lead to more transparent negotiations between providers and content owners, enhancing accountability and fairness in the broadcasting landscape. Furthermore, such changes may challenge existing market practices and drive providers to negotiate more effectively to avoid penalties.

Summary

House Bill 888, known as the Stop Sports Blackouts Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to establish regulations regarding rebates for video programming blackouts. The bill mandates that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) creates rules requiring video service providers to issue rebates to subscribers during periods when they fail to deliver agreed-upon video programming due to negotiations concerning retransmission consent or programming carriage. This is aimed specifically at addressing issues surrounding blackouts of sporting events, which have been a point of contention for viewers and sports fans alike.

Contention

While the bill has been broadly supported by consumer advocacy groups and sports fans, there are potential points of contention among video service providers. Providers may argue that mandatory rebates could impose financial burdens on their operations, particularly in negotiations that involve multiple stakeholders. Moreover, there is concern that the bill may create disincentives for providers to offer certain programming altogether, potentially leading to a reduction in available content for consumers. As discussions progress, striking a balance between consumer protection and the operational viability of service providers will be key.

Congress_id

119-HR-888

Policy_area

Science, Technology, Communications

Introduced_date

2025-01-31

Companion Bills

US SB328

Related bill Stop Sports Blackouts ActThis bill requires cable and satellite broadcast providers to issue rebates to customers who are denied access to video programming included in their subscription because of programming negotiations. Specifically, where a provider’s negotiations related to the retransmission or carriage of video programming result in the provider failing to offer access to programming included in a customer’s subscription, the customer must be issued a rebate for the affected period. The Federal Communications Commission is directed to issue rules to this effect, including to establish the appropriate amount for such a rebate.  

Previously Filed As

US HR451

Recognizing the need for greater access to rural and agricultural media programming.

US SR113

A resolution recognizing the need for greater access to rural and agricultural media programming.

US HB4858

Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2023

US SB2494

Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2023

US HR306

Directing the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives to conduct a study and issue a report about ways to increase the accessability of live broadcasts of floor proceedings of the House of Representatives to individuals without cable or satellite television, and for other purposes.

US HB262

All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act of 2023 or the ALERT Act of 2023 This bill establishes various reporting requirements with respect to federal agency rulemaking. Specifically, each agency must submit a monthly report to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for each rule the agency expects to propose or finalize during the following year, including information about the objectives and legal basis for the rule as well as whether the rule is subject to periodic review based on its significant economic impact. Additionally, each agency must submit a monthly report for any rule expected to be finalized during the following year for which the agency has issued a general notice of proposed rulemaking, including an approximate schedule for completing action on the rule and an estimate of its cost and economic effects. OIRA must publish this information online and, subject to certain exceptions, a rule may not take effect until the information has been published for at least six months. The bill also requires OIRA to annually publish in the Federal Register specified information it receives from agencies under this bill, including a list of each rule an agency has proposed and the total cost of all rules proposed or finalized. OIRA must further publish online (1) any analysis of the costs or benefits of rules that were proposed or finalized during the previous year, and (2) a list of rules that were subjected to various forms of review during the previous year.

US HB448

Putting Investors First Act of 2023 This bill requires a proxy advisory firm to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission and prohibits an unregistered proxy advisory firm from using interstate commerce to provide proxy-voting advice, research, analysis, or recommendations to any client. With respect to these firms, the bill (1) establishes procedures for both registration and termination of registration; (2) requires each firm to employ an ombudsman, designate a compliance officer, and publicly disclose conflicts of interest; (3) allows issuers to assess and comment on proxy voting recommendations; and (4) prohibits unfair, coercive, or abusive practices. The bill establishes a private right of action against a proxy advisory firm that endorses an approved proposal that is not supported by the issuer and is found to be illegal.

US HB2940

PASTEUR Act Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions To End Upsurging Resistance Act of 2023

US HR1024

Recognizing World Thinking Day as an annual celebration where members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), including members of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), champion international friendship and take the opportunity to speak out about issues that affect girls and young women across the globe.

US SB38

Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2023 This bill provides statutory authority for the Boots to Business Program, which provides entrepreneurship training to individuals including veterans and active members of the Armed Forces, to be administered by the Small Business Administration.

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