Minutes for SB144 - Committee on Utilities

Short Title

Exempting satellite service and video programming services accessed over the internet from the video competition act.

Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 16, 2023

The Chairman opened a hearing and called for a revisor overview of the bill.

(Attachment 1)

The Chairman called for proponent testimony on the bill.

Damon Stewart (speaking on behalf of Sean Ostrow) stated that the bill was designed to clarify existing law and has been reviewed by Comcast and Cox Communications. Mr. Stewart explained that no city has ever collected a franchise fee from a streaming company, but pointed out that the bill is intended to head-off an onslaught of class action litigation against satellite TV and streaming services attempting to force the payment of a 5% cable franchise fee. He referenced several other related legislative and regulatory activity.

(Attachment 2)

Committee questions and comments ensued.

Written-Only Opponent Testimony:

Mike Koss, City of Overland Park

(Attachment 3)

Stuart Little, Kansas Cities of Prairie Village, Mission, Merriam, Westwood

(Attachment 4)

Written-Only Neutral Testimony:

Spencer Duncan, League of Kansas Municipalities (LKM)

(Attachment 5)

The Chairman close the hearing on the bill.