reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-9 - Board and director; power, authority and jurisdiction.

48:5A-9 Board and director; power, authority and jurisdiction.
9. The board, which is empowered pursuant to P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.) to be the local franchising authority in this State, and the director under the supervision of the board, shall have full right, power, authority and jurisdiction to:
a. Receive or initiate complaints of the alleged violation of any of the provisions of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.) or of any of the rules and regulations made pursuant to P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.) or of the terms and conditions of any municipal consent or franchise granted pursuant to P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.); and for this purpose and all other purposes necessary to enable the director to administer the duties of the office as prescribed by law may hold hearings and shall have power to subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance, administer oaths and require the production for examination of any books or papers relating to any matter under investigation at any such hearing;
b. Supervise and regulate every CATV company operating within this State and its property, property rights, equipment, facilities, contracts, certificates and franchises so far as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.), and to do all things, whether herein specifically designated or in addition thereto, which are necessary or convenient in the exercise of such power and jurisdiction;
c. Institute all proceedings and investigations, hear all complaints, issue all process and orders, and render all decisions necessary to enforce the provisions of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.), of the rules and regulations adopted thereunder, or of any municipal consents issued pursuant to P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.);
d. Institute, or intervene as a party in, any action in any court of competent jurisdiction seeking mandamus, injunctive or other relief to compel compliance with any provision of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.), of any rule, regulation or order adopted thereunder or of any municipal consent or franchise issued thereunder, or to restrain or otherwise prevent or prohibit any illegal or unauthorized conduct in connection therewith.
L.1972,c.186,s.9; amended 2006, c.83, s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-10.1 - Electronic filing of documents by cable television companies.

48:5A-10.1 Electronic filing of documents by cable television companies.
1. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule, regulation, or order to the contrary, the board shall, consistent with federal law, establish, on its official Internet site, a secure online process to allow cable television companies to complete online any documents the board requires by regulation or order to be submitted to it by cable television companies, and electronically submit completed documents for review and approval by the appropriate officer of the board.
b. Subsection a. of this section shall not be construed as prohibiting the filing of documents with the board by non-electronic means if such non-electronic filing is required pursuant to court order, federal law, contract, or any other applicable legal requirement.
L.2011, c.221, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-10.2 - Electronic filing of documents by public utilities.

48:5A-10.2 Electronic filing of documents by public utilities.
2. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule, regulation, or order to the contrary, the board shall, consistent with federal law, establish, on its official Internet site, a secure online process to allow public utilities operating under the board's jurisdiction pursuant to R.S.48:2-13 to complete online any documents the board requires by regulation or order to be submitted to it by such public utilities, and electronically submit completed documents for review and approval by the appropriate officer of the board.
b. Subsection a. of this section shall not be construed as prohibiting the filing of documents with the board by non-electronic means if such non-electronic filing is required pursuant to court order, federal law, contract, or any other applicable legal requirement.
L.2011, c.221, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-10.3 - Electronic filing of documents by entities under jurisdiction of BPU.

48:5A-10.3 Electronic filing of documents by entities under jurisdiction of BPU.
3. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule, regulation, or order to the contrary, the board shall, consistent with federal law, establish, on its official Internet site, a secure online process to allow entities licensed by or otherwise operating under the jurisdiction of the board pursuant to P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-49 et al.), to complete online any documents the board requires by regulation or order to be submitted to it by such entities, and electronically submit completed documents for review and approval by the appropriate officer of the board.
b. Subsection a. of this section shall not be construed as prohibiting the filing of documents with the board by non-electronic means if such non-electronic filing is required pursuant to court order, federal law, contract, or any other applicable legal requirement.
L.2011, c.221, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-11a - Cable TV outages.

48:5A-11a Cable TV outages.
1. a. The director, with the approval of the board, shall adopt rules and regulations providing for a credit or rebate for outages of cable television service which are six or more hours in duration. The amount of the credit or rebate shall be in one day units, prorated on the basis of the subscriber's monthly rate for each service so interrupted. In order to obtain a credit or rebate, a subscriber shall notify by telephone or in writing the cable television company, the Office of Cable Television or other designated complaint officer within 30 days after any such outage. The regulations may provide for appropriate exceptions and limitations.
b. The director shall permit any cable television company that has a service outage lasting six or more hours in duration, to provide to its subscribers other forms of compensation, in lieu of a credit or rebate, to compensate subscribers for the loss of service caused by the outage. Nothing in this section shall authorize a cable television company to require a subscriber to accept an alternative form of compensation in lieu of a credit or rebate to which the subscriber is entitled pursuant to subsection a. of this section.
L.1987, c.422, s.1; amended 2013, c.97, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-11b - Notices to subscribers.

48:5A-11b Notices to subscribers.
1. a. Notice to subscribers of refund liability and ordered rate decreases shall commence concurrent with subscriber credits within the next billing cycle following approval of the refund liability statement by the appropriate agency, whether the Board of Public Utilities for basic rates, or the Federal Communications Commission for cable programming service rates.
b. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of this section, or any other law, rule, regulation, or order to the contrary, the director shall not require any cable television company to provide its subscribers with periodic written notice of the procedures for obtaining credits, rebates, or other forms of compensation as reimbursement for service outages lasting six or more hours in duration if the company provides that information in an electronic format on its Internet website in a manner that reasonably conveys the content of the periodic written notices, and allows its subscribers to thereafter make informed decisions concerning compensation for service outages.
c. Any cable television company that provides notice electronically on its Internet website in lieu of sending periodic written notices to its subscribers, pursuant to subsection b. of this section, shall offer the option to each of its subscribers to continue receiving periodic notices in written form on at least an annual basis.
L.1999, c.43, s.1; amended 2013, c.97, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-11.1 - Public purpose.

48:5A-11.1 Public purpose.
1. It is declared that many persons who are elderly or who have a disability reside in the State whose annual net income from all sources is less than the amount necessary to enable them to maintain decent living conditions and whose income is fixed in whole or in part so as to be not adjusted to increases in the cost of living; that the provision of the service of public utilities, and cable television, at rates reduced or discounted from inflationary levels is a necessity of life for these persons because cable television is a principal source of recreation and entertainment for persons who are elderly or have an infirmity; that a public exigency exists which makes the provision of reduced or discounted rate services to qualified persons who are elderly or who have a disability by cable television companies a public necessity; and that the provision of reduced rates will promote their health and welfare, thereby prolonging their productivity in the interest of the State and nation, and therefore constitutes and is declared to be a public purpose necessary for the preservation of the public convenience.
L.1985, c.356, s.1; amended 1988, c.81, s.1; 2017, c.131, s.186.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-11.2 - Discounted CATV rates; qualifications.

48:5A-11.2 Discounted CATV rates; qualifications.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.) or of any other State law to the contrary, any CATV company providing service may establish rates or schedules which provide for a reduction or discount in rates for cable television reception service for senior citizens, disabled citizens, or other economically disadvantaged citizens who meet the eligibility requirements of either the "Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled" program pursuant to P.L.1975, c.194 (C.30:4D-20 et seq.), as amended and supplemented; or are receiving or are eligible to receive benefits under the Supplemental Security Income program, as defined in section 1 of P.L.1973, c.256 (C.44:7-85); or are receiving disability insurance benefits under Title II of the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. s.401 et seq., and meet the income and residency requirements of the "Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled Program," established pursuant to P.L.1975, c.194 (C.30:4D-20 et seq.).
The Board of Public Utilities through the Office of Cable Television shall adopt regulations for the prompt, fair and efficient establishment and maintenance of these reduced or discounted rates and schedules. Subscription to the "Tenants' Lifeline Assistance Program," established pursuant to P.L.1981, c.210 (C.48:2-29.30 et seq.), or to the "Lifeline Credit Program," established pursuant to P.L.1979, c.197 (C.48:2-29.15 et seq.), shall not be a basis for exclusion from any reduction or discount provided under this section, nor shall subscription to any cable television service from such provider be a basis for exclusion from the Tenants' Lifeline Assistance Program or the Lifeline Credit Program.
"Senior citizen" means any person 62 years of age or older who subscribes for CATV service and who does not share the subscription with more than one other person in the same dwelling unit who is less than 62 years of age.
L.1985,c.356,s.2; amended 1988, c.81, s.2; 2006, c.83, s.9.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-11.3 - Discount in rates not mandatory.

48:5A-11.3 Discount in rates not mandatory.
3. A cable television company shall not be required, as part of any franchising agreement, or renewal thereof, or as part of any negotiations leading up to a franchising agreement, or renewal thereof, or pursuant to order, rule or regulation of the office or the board, to provide the reduction or discount in rates which is permitted under section 2 of P.L.1985, c.356 (C.48:5A-11.2).
L.1985,c.356,s.3; amended 2006, c.83, s.10.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-11.4 - No additional charge to hearing impaired individuals

48:5A-11.4. No additional charge to hearing impaired individuals
No CATV company shall charge or in any way penalize a subscriber for the possession or use of any auxiliary equipment designed to facilitate the reception of basic cable service by a hearing impaired individual and provided by the subscriber, unless this possession or use requires the company to provide additional service or equipment.
1987,c.395, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-11.5 - No charge permitted

48:5A-11.5. No charge permitted
No CATV company shall charge or in any way penalize a subscriber for the possession or use of a video cassette recorder, video disc, computer or other auxiliary equipment provided by the subscriber and either not connected to a television receiver or monitor, or connected by the subscriber to a television receiver or monitor through which cable service is not received.
1987,c.395, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-11.6 - No charge if connected by subscriber, in series

48:5A-11.6. No charge if connected by subscriber, in series
No CATV company shall charge or in any way penalize a subscriber for the possession or use of a video cassette recorder, video disc, computer or other auxiliary equipment provided by the subscriber and connected by the subscriber, in series, to a television receiver or monitor through which cable service is received. This section shall not be applicable if the company provides additional service or equipment to the subscriber as a result of the connection by the subscriber; or if the connection by the subscriber qualifies as the provision of cable service by the company and the State regulation of the rates for that provision of cable service is prohibited under the "Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984," Pub.L. 98-549 (47 U.S.C. s. 521 et seq.) or any other federal law, rule, regulation or order concerning cable television. This section shall not be construed as prohibiting a CATV company from waiving monthly charges should an external splitting device be provided by the CATV company without a converter.
1987,c.395, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-11.7 - Installation

48:5A-11.7. Installation
Any connection made to a cable television system, either directly or indirectly, pursuant to the provisions of section 2 or 4 of this act shall be made in a manner as to prevent signal leakage, and so as not to otherwise interfere with the proper operation of the cable television system. In accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the director with the approval of the board, the installation shall be subject to inspection and approval by the CATV company for purposes of insuring that the installation is made in a manner as to prevent signal leakage and so as not to otherwise interfere with the proper operation of the cable television system.
Nothing in this act shall preclude a CATV company from charging its applicable charge for an ordinary service call.
1987,c.395, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-11.8 - Charge for connection of auxiliary equipment

48:5A-11.8. Charge for connection of auxiliary equipment
Nothing in this act shall be construed as prohibiting a CATV company from charging a subscriber for connection services rendered the subscriber for auxiliary equipment provided by the subscriber.
1987,c.395, s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-11.10 - Cable television company, specific late fee, method of calculation.

48:5A-11.10 Cable television company, specific late fee, method of calculation.
2. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule, regulation or order to the contrary, the board shall not allow a cable television company that provides cable television reception service within this State and is subject to the jurisdiction of the board, to approve a specified due date for payments for such service that is less than 15 days from the date of the bill. In the event a cable television company imposes an additional fee, charge or penalty to a subscriber for billing balances which are considered past due or late, the cable television company shall clearly specify the amount of the fee, charge or penalty on the subscriber's bill. The cable television company shall also specify the method of calculation of the fee, charge or penalty on the subscriber's bill. A cable television company shall not impose an additional fee, charge or penalty on any account balance of such subscriber that is less than 30 days past due or late.
b. The board may adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of subsection a. of this section.
L.2003,c.247,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-11.11 - CATV, advance notification, certain; requirement eliminated.

48:5A-11.11 CATV, advance notification, certain; requirement eliminated.
1. Notwithstanding any law, rule, regulation or order to the contrary, a cable television company shall not be required to provide advance notification to the Office of Cable Television, to the cable television company's subscribers, or to the municipalities in its service area, a. prior to implementing a decrease in the price it charges its subscribers for cable television service, provided that the decrease in price is not due to a change in service , or b. prior to the addition of new channels to the cable television company's channel offerings.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede, or deny a subscriber any rights or protections provided by, the New Jersey consumer fraud act, P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.).
L.2012, c.54, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-11.12 - Definitions relative to cable television, telecommunications service contracts.

48:5A-11.12 Definitions relative to cable television, telecommunications service contracts.
1. As used in section 2 of P.L.2017, c.378 (C.48:5A-11.13):
"Bundle contract" means the provision of cable television service and telecommunications service to a residential customer in this State through a contract with a cable television company for those services.
"Cable television company," "CATV company," "cable television service," and "CATV service" shall have the same meaning as provided in section 3 of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-3).
"Residential customer" or "customer" means a customer receiving cable television service from a cable television company.
"Telecommunications service" shall have the same meaning as provided in section 2 of P.L.1991, c.428 (C.48:2-21.17).
"Victim of domestic violence" shall have the same meaning as provided in section 3 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-19).
L.2017, c.378, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-11.13 - Opting out of contract without penalties for victims of domestic violence.

48:5A-11.13 Opting out of contract without penalties for victims of domestic violence.
2. A cable television company shall allow a residential customer who is under a contract with a CATV company, including but not limited to, a bundle contract or multi-year contract, to opt-out of the contract without paying an early termination fee or other similar charge when the customer is a victim of domestic violence and requests to opt-out of the contract in writing. The residential customer who is a victim of domestic violence shall provide to the CATV company, within one year of the customer's request, a copy of a permanent restraining order: issued by a court pursuant to section 13 of the "Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991," P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-29); or from another jurisdiction issued pursuant to the jurisdiction's laws concerning domestic violence. A request for opting-out of the contract without charge shall be made in good faith. The CATV company shall waive the otherwise applicable charges for the residential customer requesting to opt-out of the contract as of the date the CATV company receives the request.
L.2017, c.378, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-15 - Certificate of approval or system-wide franchise for extension, operation of CATV system; exceptions.

48:5A-15 Certificate of approval or system-wide franchise for extension, operation of CATV system; exceptions.
15. No person shall hereafter begin the construction or extension of a CATV system, or begin the operation of a CATV system, or acquire ownership or control thereof, without first obtaining from the board a certificate of approval or franchise issued in accordance with the provisions and procedures specified in P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.); except that the director may, by order, rule or regulation, exempt a CATV company from the above requirement in a case in which the CATV company's temporary acts or operations do not require the issuance of a certificate of approval or a system-wide franchise in the public interest. The issuance of a certificate of approval or a system-wide franchise by the board to a CATV company shall be deemed to confer a franchise upon the CATV company. A telecommunications service provider holding authority, granted prior to the enactment of P.L.2006, c.83 (C.48:5A-25.1 et al.), to utilize the public rights-of-way to construct, upgrade, operate or maintain a communications network shall not be required to obtain a certificate of authority, system-wide franchise or any other authorization, except for being subject to generally applicable non-discriminatory permit requirements, to construct, upgrade, operate or maintain a communications network capable of providing cable service, and a certificate of authority or a system-wide franchise shall be required only prior to the actual provision of cable service on a commercial basis to the general public.
L.1972,c.186,s.15; amended 2006, c.83, s.11.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-18 - Hearings; conduct; notice; intervention by municipalities; fees; disposition of fees and charges.

48:5A-18 Hearings; conduct; notice; intervention by municipalities; fees; disposition of fees and charges.
18. a. Any hearing held pursuant to the provisions of section 16 or section 17 of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-16 or C.48:5A-17) shall be open to the public, and notice thereof shall be published by the applicant at least 10 days prior thereto in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation throughout the State or (1) if the hearing is upon application for certification, in each municipality comprised, in whole or part, in the area for which certification is sought, or (2) if the hearing is upon an application under subsection e. of section 17 of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-17), in each municipality whose refusal of municipal action or authorization is involved in the application.
b. Every municipality may intervene in any hearing or investigation held under the authority of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.) which involves rates, charges, services or facilities affecting the municipality or the public within the municipality.
c. For the purpose of defraying the administrative expenses of hearings held pursuant to section 16 or 17 of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-16 or C.48:5A-17), the applicant CATV company shall be required to pay to the Office of Cable Television a fee not in excess of $500 per day of hearing or fraction thereof, according to such fee schedule as the director shall from time to time adopt by rule. Such fee shall be in addition to any filing fee imposed pursuant to sections 16 and 17 of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-16 and C.48:5A-17); the amount shall be due and payable upon presentation of an invoice.
d. All fees and charges collected under the provisions of sections 16 and 17 of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-16 and C.48:5A-17) shall be received by the director for the sole use of the State, and the director shall report on and return to the State Treasurer all such fees and charges collected.
L.1972,c.186,s.18; amended 2006, c.83, s.14.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-19 - Certificate of approval, system-wide franchise; transferability; duration; renewal.

48:5A-19 Certificate of approval, system-wide franchise; transferability; duration; renewal.
19. a. A certificate of approval issued by the board shall be nontransferable, except by consent of the board and shall specify the area to which it applies and the municipal consents upon which it is based. A certificate of approval issued by the board shall be valid for 15 years from the date of issuance or 20 years from the date of issuance if the board certifies that a CATV company has implemented an open video system in accordance with 47 U.S.C. s.573 within one year after receiving a municipal consent, or until the expiration, revocation, termination or renegotiation of any municipal consent upon which it is based, whichever is sooner. But amendment of the terms of a municipal consent by mutual consent and in conformity with the procedures specified in P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.) during the term for which it was issued shall not require the issuance of a new certificate of approval. A CATV company holding a certificate based upon a municipal consent with a provision for automatic renewal for a term not exceeding 10 years beyond its expiration date or 15 years beyond its expiration date if the board certifies that the CATV company has implemented an open video system in accordance with 47 U.S.C. s.573, shall be entitled to automatic reissuance of a certificate for such term, unless it shall forfeit such entitlement by violation of any terms of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.), regulations issued pursuant thereto, or by the terms of the municipal consent.
b. A system-wide franchise issued by the board shall be nontransferable, except by consent of the board, and shall specify the area to which it applies. A system-wide franchise issued by the board shall be valid for seven years from the date of issuance. A system-wide franchise issued pursuant to P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.) shall not require: (1) a CATV company to operate outside of the areas in which the CATV company either has plant or equipment in use for the provision of any consumer video, cable or telecommunications service, or has proposed to place into use such plant or equipment for the provision of such services; or (2) a CATV company with municipal consents issued prior to the effective date of P.L.2006, c.83 (C.48:5A-25.1 et al.) to operate outside of the areas covered by such consents. Renewal of a system-wide franchise shall be valid for a period of seven years from the date of the renewal issuance, and the board shall establish rules governing the renewal of a system-wide franchise.
L.1972,c.186,s.19; amended 2003, c.38, s.4; 2006, c.83, s.15.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-20 - Highways and rights-of-way; use; joint use with other CATV company or public utility.

48:5A-20 Highways and rights-of-way; use; joint use with other CATV company or public utility.
20. a. Upon obtaining the prior approval of the board, if necessary, a CATV company may construct and maintain the wires, cables, and conduits necessary to its business upon, under or over any highway, and may erect and maintain the necessary fixtures, including poles and posts, for sustaining such wires and cables; provided, however, that such wires, cables and fixtures shall be so placed or constructed as not to unreasonably inconvenience public travel on the highway or the use thereof by public utilities or other persons or organizations having rights therein. This subsection shall not apply to a telecommunications service provider deploying telecommunications facilities that can be used as shared-use facilities to carry cable television service at a later date.
b. Whenever the board shall find that public convenience and necessity require the use by a CATV company or a public utility of the wires, cables, conduits, poles or other equipment, or any part thereof, on, over or under any highway or any right-of-way and belonging to another CATV company or public utility, and that such use will not result in injury to the owner or other users of such equipment or any right-of-way or in any substantial detriment to the service, and that such CATV companies or public utilities have failed to agree upon such use or the terms and conditions or compensation for the same, the board may order that such use be permitted and prescribe a reasonable compensation and reasonable terms and conditions for the joint use. If such use is ordered, the CATV company or public utility to which the use is permitted shall be liable to the owner or other users of such equipment for such damage as may result therefrom to the property of such owner or other users thereof.
L.1972,c.186,s.20; amended 2006, c.83, s.16.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-20.1 - Notice of development applications to CATV general manager, municipal registration.

48:5A-20.1 Notice of development applications to CATV general manager, municipal registration.
7. Within 30 days after the effective date of P.L.2006, c.83 (C.48:5A-25.1 et al.), the board shall notify the general manager of every cable television company that, in order to receive notice by an applicant pursuant to subsection h. of section 7.1 of P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-12), the cable television company shall register with any municipality in which the cable television company has plant located in a right-of-way or easement.
L.1991, c.412, s.7; amended 2006, c.83, s.17.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-21 - Lease, rental of facilities, rights-of-way.

48:5A-21 Lease, rental of facilities, rights-of-way.
21. Upon the prior approval of the board, any person may lease or rent or otherwise make available facilities or rights-of-way, including pole space, to a CATV company for the redistribution of television signals to or toward the customers or subscribers of such CATV company. The terms and conditions, including rates and charges to the CATV company, imposed by any public utility under any such lease, rental or other method of making available such facilities or rights-of-way, including pole space, to a CATV company shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the board in the same manner and to the same extent that rates and charges of public utilities generally are subject to the board's jurisdiction by virtue of the appropriate provisions of Title 48 of the Revised Statutes.
L.1972,c.186,s.21; amended 2006, c.83, s.18.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-22 - Municipal consent; necessity for certificate of approval

48:5A-22. Municipal consent; necessity for certificate of approval
In any case where a CATV company operates or proposes to operate in a municipality or municipalities where facilities are to be placed in, along, beneath or over highways and other public places, no certificate of approval for such operation shall be issued without a municipal consent being first granted therefor by resolution of the municipal governing body.
L.1972, c. 186, s. 22.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-24 - Issuance by ordinance; terms; acceptance by company

48:5A-24. Issuance by ordinance; terms; acceptance by company
Issuance of a municipal consent shall be by ordinance of the governing body, which shall have annexed thereto and incorporated therein the application filed therefor. All engagements and representations made by the CATV company in such application shall, except as expressly modified by the terms of the ordinance, be binding upon the company as terms for the holding and use of the municipal consent, if the company accepts in writing within 10 days of the issuance of such consent with all the terms and conditions thereof as approved by the municipal governing body; but a consent not so accepted shall be void.
L.1972, c. 186, s. 24.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-25 - Conformance of municipal consent with act.

48:5A-25 Conformance of municipal consent with act.
25. A municipal consent issued pursuant to this act shall conform in form and substance to all requirements of this act and of rules, regulations and orders duly promulgated by the director. It shall specify with particularity the territory to which it applies, and the term for which it is issued. Such term shall not exceed 15 years or 20 years if the board certifies that a CATV company has implemented an open video system in accordance with 47 U.S.C. s.573 within one year after receiving a municipal consent; but provision may be included for automatic renewal at the expiration thereof for an additional term not exceeding 10 years or 15 years if the board certifies that the CATV company has implemented an open video system in accordance with 47 U.S.C. s.573, unless either the municipality or the company shall not later than 60 days before the expiration of the initial term serve upon the other party notice of its intention not to accept such renewal. No CATV company whose municipal consent or renewal thereof has expired shall be authorized to continue its operations unless prior to such expiration it has obtained a certificate of approval from the board authorizing such continued operation, except that such a CATV company which has initiated proceedings to obtain such certification from the board prior to the expiration of the municipal consent may continue its operations pending the final disposition of such proceedings.
L.1972,c.186,s.25; amended 2003, c.38, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-26.1 - Record of complaints, annual report.

48:5A-26.1 Record of complaints, annual report.
8. a. In addition to the requirements as provided in section 26 of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-26), the board shall, upon notice, by order in writing require every CATV company to keep for at least a period of three years, a record of complaints received at the CATV company's office, which shall include the name and address of the subscriber, the date, the nature of the complaint, any corrective action taken if required, and the final disposition of the complaint. The record shall be available for inspection by the staff of the office. Copies of such record shall be provided to the staff of the office upon request.
b. Every CATV company shall furnish to the office annually a detailed report of the number and character of complaints made by customers and communicated to the CATV company. In meeting such requirement, the board shall establish a procedure for CATV companies to record and characterize those customer complaints using a uniform reporting methodology and containing those matters as the board may from time to time prescribe. Copies of the report shall be forwarded to the Governor and members of the Legislature. All reports submitted to the office shall comply with the provisions of the "Cable Subscriber Privacy Protection Act," P.L.1988, c.121 (C.48:5A-54 et seq.).
L.2003, c.38, s.8; amended 2006, c.83, s.22.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-27 - Information on applicant's financial responsibility, technical competency and general fitness

48:5A-27. Information on applicant's financial responsibility, technical competency and general fitness
Whenever a CATV company shall apply to a municipality for the municipal consent required under this act, the municipal governing body may, before acting upon such application, require the applicant to submit to the director such information as to said applicant's financial responsibility, technical competency and general fitness to provide the CATV service proposed in such application as may enable the director to advise the municipality, in a preliminary way and without prejudice to any future determination which the director may be required to make pursuant to a grant of municipal consent, whether such applicant appears to be a fit subject of consideration for such a consent.
L.1972, c. 186, s. 27.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-28.1 - Rules for dispute resolution between companies and municipalities.

48:5A-28.1 Rules for dispute resolution between companies and municipalities.
24. The board shall adopt rules for procedures for resolving disputes between CATV companies and between CATV companies and municipalities concerning the provisions of subsections i. through m. of section 28 of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-28).
L.2006,c.83,s.24.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-28.2 - Application requirements relevant to board's decision on applications; enforcement of commitments.

48:5A-28.2 Application requirements relevant to board's decision on applications; enforcement of commitments.
25. a. All of the elements required to be included in the franchise application pursuant to P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.) shall form, in part, the foundation for the board's decision as to the certificate of approval or system-wide franchise.
b. The failure of a cable television company to abide by or conform its practices to the commitments in the application shall be considered a violation of the certificate of approval or system-wide franchise, and the board may enforce these provisions through any appropriate method, including the imposition of monetary penalties under section 51 of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-51), or the suspension or revocation of the certificate of approval or system-wide franchise.
L.2006,c.83,s.25.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-29 - Conformance of proposals, representations to rules, regulations.

48:5A-29 Conformance of proposals, representations to rules, regulations.
29. All proposals and representations included in an application for municipal consent or a system-wide franchise shall conform to applicable rules and regulations of the office; except that nothing in P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.) shall be construed to prevent an applicant from exceeding minimum requirements set by the office, or offering facilities and services not required or forbidden by such rules and regulations.
L.1972,c.186,s.29; amended 2006, c.83, s.26.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-31 - Municipal officers and employees; interest in CATV company; prohibitions

48:5A-31. Municipal officers and employees; interest in CATV company; prohibitions
It is unlawful for a member of a municipal governing body or any other officer or employee of a municipality to acquire any interest, direct or indirect, in a CATV company which has applied for or received a municipal consent from such municipality pursuant to this act; or to participate in any municipal action or deliberation upon such an application by a CATV company in which he owns or controls any such interest.
L.1972, c. 186, s. 31.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-32 - Annual assessment by office

48:5A-32. Annual assessment by office
To enable the office to perform its lawful duties and responsibilities relating to the regulation of CATV companies, the director shall annually make an assessment against each CATV company, which shall be in lieu of all other fees and charges for the regulatory and supervisory functions of the office, except those fees imposed pursuant to sections 16, 17 and 18 of this act.
L.1972, c. 186, s. 32.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-33 - Amount

48:5A-33. Amount
The assessment shall be equal to a percentage of the gross operating revenues of all CATV companies under the jurisdiction of the office derived from intrastate operations during the preceding calendar year at a rate to be determined annually by the office on or before June 30 in the following manner:
The total amount appropriated to the office by law for its general purposes for its next fiscal year, less revenue derived from fees under sections 16, 17 and 18 during the preceding calendar year, shall be divided by the total amount of the gross operating revenues of all CATV companies under the jurisdiction of the office derived from intrastate operations during the preceding calendar year. The quotient resulting shall constitute the percentage rate of the assessment for the calendar year in which such computation is made. The total amount so assessed to any particular CATV company shall not exceed 2% of its gross operating revenue subject to assessment hereunder.
L.1972, c. 186, s. 33.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-35 - Failure to pay amount; notice to state treasurer and company; collection by seizure and sale of goods or chattels

48:5A-35. Failure to pay amount; notice to state treasurer and company; collection by seizure and sale of goods or chattels
a. If any CATV company to which a statement for the amount assessed against it as provided in this act has been rendered fails or refuses to pay the amount within 15 days, or fails to file with the director objections to the statement as provided in section 33 of this act, the director shall transmit to the State Treasurer a certified copy of the statement of the assessment together with notice of the neglect or refusal of the CATV company to pay the amount thereof, and at the same time shall mail to the CATV company a copy of the notice, transmitted to the State Treasurer.
b. Within 10 days after receipt of the notice and certified copy of the statement, the State Treasurer shall proceed to collect the amount stated to be due, with legal interest, by seizure and sale of any goods or chattels, including stocks, securities, bank accounts, evidences of debt and accounts receivable belonging to the CATV company anywhere within the State.
L.1972, c. 186, s. 35.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-36 - Duties of CATV companies

48:5A-36. Duties of CATV companies
a. Each CATV company shall provide safe, adequate and proper service, equipment and facilities for the operation of its CATV system.
b. No CATV company shall demand or receive a greater or less or different compensation for providing CATV service than the rates and charges specified in the tariff in effect at the time.
c. Every CATV company and other person and organization shall obey and comply with every rule and regulation and order adopted or issued by the director.
L.1972, c. 186, s. 36.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-36.1 - CATV service termination notices, designation of third parties to receive.

48:5A-36.1 CATV service termination notices, designation of third parties to receive.
1. a. Every cable television company which provides cable television reception service shall permit a residential subscriber who receives such service to designate a third party to whom the cable television company shall transmit a copy of any notice of termination of service. The subscriber shall notify the cable television company that a third party has been so designated. Such notification shall be authorized on an appropriate form for recording this designation, and shall be effective not later than 10 business days from the date of receipt by the cable television company. The notification shall contain, in writing, an acceptance by the third party designee to receive copies of any notices of termination of service of the subscriber's cable television reception service.
b. The transmission to the third party designee of a copy of the termination of service notice shall be in addition to the original document transmitted to the subscriber. The copy of the termination of service notice transmitted to the third party shall be governed by the same law and policy provisions which govern the notice being transmitted to the subscriber.
c. Designation as a third party shall not constitute acceptance of any liability on the part of the third party for payment of the cable television bill.
d. The cable television company shall notify every residential subscriber annually in writing of the availability of the third party designee notice procedures and provide information on how the subscriber can commence this procedure, except that notice need not be provided once a subscriber has made a designation. A cable television company may provide this required annual notice to its residential subscribers in any manner that the cable television company determines.
L.2004,c.106,s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-37 - Abandonment of property or discontinuance or temporary suspension of service; approval of board

48:5A-37. Abandonment of property or discontinuance or temporary suspension of service; approval of board
No CATV company shall abandon all or any part of its system or other property necessary or useful in the performance of its duties to the public, or discontinue or temporarily suspend all or any part of the service which it is rendering to the public by the use of same, without first obtaining the approval of the board. In granting such approval, the board may impose such terms, conditions or requirements as in its judgment are necessary to protect the public interest.
L.1972, c. 186, s. 37.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:5A-38 - Combinations, mergers, consolidations, acquisition of control, certain circumstances; approval of board.

48:5A-38 Combinations, mergers, consolidations, acquisition of control, certain circumstances; approval of board.
38. a. Except as otherwise provided by subsection b. of this section, no CATV company shall combine, merge, or consolidate with, or acquire control of, another organization without first obtaining the approval of the board, which shall be granted only after an investigation and finding that such proposed combination, merger, consolidation, or acquisition is in the public interest.
b. Nothing herein shall require the review or approval by the board of any parent or affiliate corporation of a company that provides cable television service over a cable television system if such parent or affiliate corporation does not itself provide cable television service in this State and seeks to combine, merge, or consolidate with, or to acquire control of, another corporation or other organization that:
(1) does not directly provide cable television service in this State; and
(2) does not directly or through one or more affiliates, own a controlling interest in another corporation or other organization that provides cable television service in this State.
L.1972, c.186, s.38; amended 2008, c.87, s.5.