2021 -- H 6276

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LC002692

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- COMMUNITY ANTENNA

TELEVISION SYSTEMS

     Introduced By: Representative Anastasia P. Williams

     Date Introduced: April 29, 2021

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 39-19 of the General Laws entitled "Community Antenna Television

Systems" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     39-19-13.1. Payment for services -- Long-term contracts.

     Prior to the expiration of a contract for services for a term of six (6) months or longer, a

cable television operator shall provide separate inserts in the monthly bill of a subscriber setting

forth and notifying the subscriber of the expiration date of the contract at least sixty (60) days and

at least thirty (30) days prior to said date. In the event that the subscriber and the cable television

operator shall not agree to the renewal of the contract or not negotiate the terms of a new contract,

the cable television operator is prohibited from automatically renewing the prior contract and shall

provide services to the subscriber on a month-to-month basis.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC002692

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- COMMUNITY ANTENNA

TELEVISION SYSTEMS

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     This act would require cable operators to provide sixty (60) day and thirty (30) day notices

to subscribers prior to the expiration of a contract six (6) months or longer and would prohibit

automatic renewal of same.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC002692

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