Cable Transparency Act

The Cable Transparency Act amends the Communications Act of 1934 to change rules for cable franchise terms, terminations, and modifications of franchise requirements. It sets new procedures for cable operators to request changes to franchise requirements and alters how franchises are renewed, revoked, or terminated.

Sec. 2, Cable franchise term and termination: This section replaces existing sections 625 and 626 of the Communications Act. It allows a cable operator to request elimination or modification of a franchise requirement during the franchise term. The franchising authority must approve or deny a complete request within 120 days, and if it fails to act, the request is deemed granted (except for public, educational, or governmental access requirements). The cable operator can appeal a denial in court. The section also provides that a franchise continues indefinitely until revoked or terminated under new limits. A cable operator can terminate a franchise by submitting a written request, and the franchising authority must revoke it within 90 days; if it fails, the franchise is deemed revoked. A franchising authority can revoke a franchise only if the operator knowingly and willfully fails to meet a material requirement, is given a chance to cure, and the authority does not waive the requirement. The cable operator can seek review of a revocation by the FCC or a court. Technical amendments update related sections of the Communications Act. These changes take effect 6 months after enactment and apply to new franchises and existing franchises that are in effect or expired but still being performed.