The Wisconsin State Assembly passed the
Video Competition Act Tuesday night, making Gov. Doyle’s signature
the last step before the bill becomes law.
If signed by Doyle, the bill will take
the power to grant video franchises from local municipalities and
place it in the hands of the state government.
The legislation was introduced to
address issues in the cable industry stemming from technological
advancements, Rep. Phil Montgomery, R-Ashwaubenon, said Wednesday.
"This landmark legislation will
reform Wisconsin’s archaic cable franchising process by promoting
competition, not stifling it, as the current process has done for
years," Montgomery said in a statement.
Under current law, local municipalities
maintain control over video franchises through revenue sharing
agreements. Montgomery said this act will improve the existing system
by "streamlining and centralizing the application process at the
state level."
But George Twigg, spokesperson for
Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, said the mayor feels the legislation
is unnecessary, adding Cieslewicz requested Doyle veto some aspects
of the bill before signing it into law.
"It causes more harm than good,"
Twigg said. "Statewide legislation was not necessary."
Among other issues with the act passed
by the Assembly, Twigg said it does not address public access
programming.
"The bill would eliminate [public
access programming] funding after three years," Twigg said. "The
bill also does not really contain adequate consumer protection
provisions."
Yet Montgomery said consumer
protections would increase if the legislation becomes law because the
act will lead to increased competition.
"Customer service will be enhanced as
video service providers fight to retain existing customers and lure
new customers," Montgomery said. "Competition will also translate
into increased programming options."
Madison will also lose power if the
bill passes, because "regulation of the city rights-of-way would be
diminished under the bill," Twigg said.
Twigg said Doyle has indicated he will
sign the legislation.
