Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019

Bill: 116-hr-5035
Sponsor: Rep. Doyle, Michael F. [D-PA-18]
Introduced: 2019-11-12 in the House
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Broadcasting, cable, digital technologies
Consumer affairs
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Licensing and registrations
Marketing and advertising
Telecommunication rates and fees
Television and film

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-12
text: 

Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019

 
This bill addresses provisions related to the retransmission of television-station signals and applies consumer-rights and transparency requirements to consumers' cable and satellite services.
 
Specifically, the bill extends a provision that allows a multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) to retransmit television-station signals directly to a home if the subscriber receiving the signal resides in an unserved household located outside the local market of such a station. The bill also allows an MVPD to designate a qualified MVPD buying group to negotiate on its behalf with large broadcast ownership groups regarding retransmission consent for broadcast programming.
 
Further, the bill requires that providers of internet, voice, mobile, data, and MVPD services (1) engage in transparent advertising and e-billing; (2) provide notice of, and allow penalty-free termination for, an increase in the total amount of the service under a contract; and (3) refrain from charging a consumer for using equipment not provided by the service provider. 

action_date: 2019-12-09
text: 

Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019

 
This bill addresses provisions related to the retransmission of television-station signals and applies consumer-rights and transparency requirements to consumers' cable and satellite services.
 
Specifically, the bill makes permanent a provision that allows a multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) to retransmit television-station signals directly to a home if the subscriber receiving the signal resides in an unserved household located outside the local market of such a station. The bill also allows an MVPD to designate a qualified MVPD buying group to negotiate on its behalf with large broadcast ownership groups regarding retransmission consent for broadcast programming.
 
Further, the bill requires that providers of internet, voice, mobile, data, and MVPD services (1) engage in transparent sales and e-billing, and (2) refrain from charging a consumer for using equipment not provided by the service provider. 

action_date: 2019-12-10
text: 

Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019

 
This bill addresses provisions related to the retransmission of television-station signals and applies consumer-rights and transparency requirements to consumers' cable and satellite services.
 
Specifically, the bill makes permanent a provision that allows a multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) to retransmit television-station signals directly to a home if the subscriber receiving the signal resides in an unserved household located outside the local market of such a station. The bill also allows an MVPD to designate a qualified MVPD buying group to negotiate on its behalf with large broadcast ownership groups regarding retransmission consent for broadcast programming.
 
Further, the bill requires that providers of internet, voice, mobile, data, and MVPD services (1) engage in transparent sales and e-billing, and (2) refrain from charging a consumer for using equipment not provided by the service provider. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-12-11
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2019-12-10
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2019-12-10
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H9960-9961)
action_date: 2019-12-10
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H9960-9961)
action_date: 2019-12-10
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5035.
action_date: 2019-12-10
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9960-9961)
action_date: 2019-12-10
text: Mr. Doyle, Michael F. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2019-12-09
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 265.
action_date: 2019-12-09
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 116-329.
action_date: 2019-12-09
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 116-329.
action_date: 2019-11-20
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2019-11-20
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2019-11-14
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .
action_date: 2019-11-14
text: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2019-11-13
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
action_date: 2019-11-12
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2019-11-12
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-11-12
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-06-04
text: Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Prior to Introduction and Referral.