Bill
SB 3222
Illinois video streaming ads must not be louder than the accompanying content, aligning with CALM Act standards, starting July 1, 2027.
Title: VIDEO STREAMING AD VOLUME
Purpose and intent
- SB 3222 proposes to regulate the audio loudness of commercial advertisements transmitted by video streaming services that serve Illinois residents. It aims to align with CALM Act standards used for television and other video distributors.
- Effective date for the new limit: July 1, 2027.
- The bill clarifies that it does not create a private right of action for individuals.
Key provisions and changes
- Definitions:
- Introduces or refines definitions for “video programming” and “video streaming service.”
- A “video streaming service” is an entity that makes video programming or video content available directly to consumers via Internet Protocol. It excludes cable/video providers and entities that serve video programming/content without commercials.
- Volume control requirement (new 22-504):
- On and after July 1, 2027, a video streaming service serving Illinois residents must not transmit the audio of commercial advertisements louder than the video content to which the ads accompany.
- The standard follows CALM Act regulations established by the FCC, as applied to television broadcast stations, cable operators, and other video programming distributors.
- Private right of action:
- The provision explicitly states that there is no private right of action arising from this requirement.
- Administrative and consumer-protection framework (existing 22-501 provisions, amended):
- Maintains comprehensive customer service and privacy protection standards for cable and video providers.
- Requires providers to adhere to general customer service standards, clear billing, timely service, installation and maintenance performance, and nondiscriminatory practices.
- Establishes notification, complaint resolution, and mediation processes, with enforcement possible by the Attorney General and local units of government.
- Outlines penalties for material breaches, with a cap of $750 per day and up to $25,000 per breach per customer, plus related enforcement procedures.
- Requires free service line drops to eligible public buildings, public libraries, and schools, and other public-interest obligations.
- Sets installation and service standards (e.g., 7 business days for standard installations, 95% quarterly compliance in several areas), accessibility commitments, and privacy protections consistent with federal law.
- Prohibits unnecessary bundling and ensures rates for basic service are affordable and uniformly structured where feasible.
Who is affected
- Video streaming services that serve consumers residing in Illinois (statewide applicability beginning July 1, 2027).
- Cable and other traditional video providers operating under Illinois law, as they are already subject to extensive customer service and privacy protections under the Public Utilities Act.
- Local units of government and the Illinois Attorney General, which may enforce the standards and penalties and handle complaints or mediation.
- Public buildings and institutions (via the public-benefit obligation) may receive free line drops and basic service where applicable.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduced: February 2, 2026.
- Assigned to Energy and Public Utilities Committee, with multiple sponsorCo-sponsors listed.
- Legislative timeline in action history includes moving through readings in 2026, with a July 1, 2027, compliance deadline for the CALM-based loudness standard.
Overall impact
- The bill adds a specific audio loudness limit for TV-like advertising on video streaming services operating in Illinois, harmonizing with CALM Act standards.
- It strengthens consumer protection and service quality requirements for all cable/video providers, including timelines, transparency, accessibility, privacy protections, and enforcement mechanisms.
- It creates a clear compliance target for streaming services while preserving the availability of remedies through government enforcement rather than private lawsuits.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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