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Florida HB 1199 Streamlines Cable Franchising At State Level
Consumers Will Benefit from Proliferation of Choices
May 5, 2006
Julia Johnson, chairperson of the Video Access Alliance, today issued the following statement in response to Florida's House of Representatives passing The Consumer Choice Act of 2006, HB 1199, Wednesday by a 95-21 vote.
"Florida's lawmakers have taken an important step forward in opening the cable television industry in the Sunshine state to competition. The result will be burgeoning opportunities for minority and other cable industry participants and expanded choices for consumers.
"House bill 1199 is good legislation. It takes the collection of burdensome municipal cable franchise rules and streamlines them at the state level to welcome rather than discourage new entrants. As a result, Florida consumers will be able to enjoy a choice of cable companies and networks, and will see service improve, programming expand and cable rates drop as competition heats up.
"At the same time, HB 1199 respects the interests of municipalities and provides for continuance of public, educational and government access channels.
"Although time is tight, I am hopeful that the Florida Senate will follow the fine lead set by the House and pass similarly progressive pro-consumer, pro-competition legislation before adjourning tomorrow."
The Video Access Alliance is a not-for-profit organization designed to serve as an advocacy and advisory group for independent, emerging and minority networks, video programmers, entertainers and other industry participants by focusing on policies that encourage rapid and ubiquitous deployment and utilization of new and innovative video distribution platforms.