Bill · H.R. 5290· House(119-HR-5290)
Cable Transparency Act
- Introduced
- 9/10/2025
- Last activity
- 9/10/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Randy Weber
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Cable Transparency Act amends the Communications Act of 1934 regarding cable franchises. It allows cable operators to request the elimination or modification of franchise requirements based on specific causes, such as technology changes or commercial impracticability. The bill establishes that franchises continue indefinitely without needing renewal until they are revoked or terminated. It sets specific rules for how franchises can be terminated by either the operator or the franchising authority. Additionally, it provides pathways for judicial or Commission review of revocation decisions.
Yes· 3 of 7
Would business owners be better off under this?+6
Cable operators (business owners) gain significant flexibility in modifying requirements and security of tenure.
Would billionaires be better off under this?+5
Large cable conglomerates benefit from reduced local oversight and permanent franchise status.
Does this invest in rural communities?+3
Updating technology requirements can help expand and modernize cable infrastructure in rural areas.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-5
The bill significantly limits the power of local franchising authorities to revoke franchises or maintain specific requirements.
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?-4
The bill reduces the ability of local governments to impose and maintain requirements on cable technology providers.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?-3
The bill allows for the elimination of franchise requirements, potentially reducing the obligations cable providers have toward the public.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Maintaining Service Quality: Under Section 625(b)(1)(B), any request to eliminate or modify a franchise requirement must demonstrate that the mix, quality, and level of cable services will be maintained, which ensures users do not lose service quality when rules change.
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Updating for New Technology: Section 625(b)(1)(A)(ii) allows for the modification of requirements to address changes in technology, which could allow services to evolve and modernize.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Easier Removal of Requirements: Section 625(b)(1) allows cable operators to eliminate or modify franchise requirements if they show good cause or commercial impracticability, which could lead to the removal of previously agreed-upon obligations.
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Automatic Elimination of Requirements: Section 625(c) states that if a franchising authority fails to act on a complete request within the required timeframe, the requirement is "deemed eliminated or modified," potentially removing requirements without an official review.
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Limited Revocation Power: Section 626(b)(1) generally prohibits the revocation of a franchise by an authority or its termination by law, limiting the ability of local authorities to end a franchise agreement except under the specific conditions listed in subsection (b)(2).
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+6Good For Billionaires+5Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Low Income Households-2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+2Increases Big Tech Regulation-4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Increase States Rights-5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+2Improves Consumer Protection-3
- 9/10/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House