Bill · H.R. 5170· House(119-HR-5170)
CABLE Leadership Act
- Introduced
- 9/8/2025
- Last activity
- 9/8/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Troy Balderson
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "CABLE Leadership Act," seeks to amend the Communications Act of 1934. It focuses on establishing specific timelines for franchising authorities when they receive requests for new cable franchises. The legislation requires these authorities to approve or deny a complete request within 120 days. If a decision is not made within that timeframe, the request is automatically deemed granted. Additionally, the bill sets specific standards for when a request is considered complete and how denials must be handled.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill requires local authorities to provide written decisions supported by substantial evidence and publicize them immediately.
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
The bill reduces regulatory uncertainty and delay for businesses seeking new franchises.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+5
The bill streamlines the cable franchise approval process by imposing strict timelines and automatic approvals for businesses.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Faster Franchise Approvals: The bill requires a franchising authority to approve or deny a complete request within 120 days, which prevents indefinite waiting periods (Section 2, paragraph (g)(1)).
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Automatic Approval Guarantee: If a franchising authority fails to act within the 120-day window, the request is considered a "deemed grant," ensuring the process moves forward even if officials are slow to act (Section 2, paragraph (g)(2)).
-
Standardized Completeness Rules: The bill provides clear rules for when a request is considered "complete," preventing authorities from claiming information is missing without providing written notice and specific citations to rules (Section 2, paragraph (g)(6)(A)).
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Transparency in Denials: If a request is denied, the authority must provide a written decision supported by substantial evidence in a written record, and this must be released publicly and to the requesting party on the same day (Section 2, paragraph (g)(5)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Provision for Delays: The bill states that the 120-day timeframe cannot be paused or "tolled" by any moratorium imposed by a franchising authority, regardless of whether that moratorium is express or de facto (Section 2, paragraph (g)(4)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+5Good For Urban Residents+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+5
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+2
- 9/8/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House