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Bill

A 3726

Requires cable television companies to offer cable television channels on an individual basis

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Tannousis

Requires cable TV providers to offer channels a la carte, giving consumers choice and price transparency by paying only for the channels they want.

REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS
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Bill Summary · A 3726

Summary of Bill A 3726

Basic Information

  • Bill Number: A 3726
  • Title: Requires cable television companies to offer cable television channels on an individual basis
  • Status: REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS
  • Introduced: January 30, 2025
  • Classification: bill

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill, as suggested by its title, seeks to increase consumer choice by requiring cable television providers to offer channels on an individual, a la carte basis rather than exclusively within bundled packages.
  • The overarching aim is to improve price transparency and give subscribers the option to pay only for the channels they want.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title and typical structure)

  • The central provision would require cable television companies to offer channels individually, separate from bundled packages.
  • The text (not provided here) would detail:
    • How channels must be made available to consumers on an a la carte basis (e.g., online, in-store, or via customer service).
    • Pricing rules or transparency requirements (how individual channel pricing must be presented and any caps or comparisons to bundled pricing).
    • Any transitional provisions (grandfathering of existing bundles, timelines for implementing a la carte offerings).
    • Consumer protections (bill of rights, access to essential channels, dispute resolution).
    • Regulatory enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance.

Note: Specifics such as exact pricing formulas, eligibility criteria, and implementation timelines would be defined in the bill’s full text and any implementing regulations.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Cable television providers/regulators who would need to implement a la carte channel offerings.
  • Consumers: Subscribers who would gain more flexible channel choices and greater pricing visibility.
  • Content/Channel Providers: May experience changes in distribution and revenue models depending on how channels are priced and offered individually.
  • Market/Regulatory Environment: Potential impact on competition, consumer protection standards, and oversight.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and referred on January 30, 2025 to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions.
  • No further actions are listed in the provided information; the bill would advance through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes if it moves forward.

Related Legislation

  • Related bills from prior sessions: A 2376, A 2238, A 2774, A 3597, A 7356, A 818, A 1888, A 7171, A 5154.
  • These may reflect ongoing interest in a la carte channel access or related consumer-choice reforms.

Next Steps for Stakeholders

  • Monitor committee hearings and updates for the full text, amendments, and any fiscal impact statements.
  • Review how proposed provisions would affect pricing, billing systems, channel licensing, and consumer protections.
  • Consider input from cable providers, content creators, consumer groups, and local governments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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