AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, that would support municipal franchise agreements, received bipartisan support this week in the House and Senate.
A franchise agreement, or contract, outlines the terms of service between a town and any entity that would like to sell their entertainment products over infrastructure located in the public right of way, like poles and wires. This agreement is required by federal law. LD 1967 would preserve local control for Maine towns to use the revenue from these contracts as they see fit for their community.
"This bill will protect Maine towns from having to engage in costly litigation with cable companies just to get them to follow the terms of their signed franchise agreement," said Sachs. "Communities can use the funds from these agreements to lower property taxes or invest in local infrastructure. I'm pleased that this received bipartisan support."
This legislation also aims to ensure that providers fulfill their commitment to delivering broadband to homes. Additionally, it incorporates robust consumer safeguards, such as clauses preventing cable companies from passing the expenses of their equipment upgrades onto subscribers.
The bill received support from the Attorney Generals Office, the Maine Connectivity Authority, the Maine Municipal Association and the Maine Broadband Coalition.
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate in the coming days.
Sachs is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives and represents House District 102, which includes Freeport. She serves as House chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Sachs], c. 305-965-2744