Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §12004-G, sub-§5-A is enacted to read:

5-A. Cable Expenses 10 MRSA

Cable Television Only c. 226

Television Franchise

Board

Sec. 2. 30-A MRSA §3008, sub-§5, as amended by PL 1989, c. 6; c. 9, §2; c. 104, Pt. C, §§8 and 10, is further amended to read:

5. Franchise agreements or contracts. The State specifically authorizes municipal officers pursuant to ordinances but subject to the provisions of Title 10, chapter 226 and any rules adopted by the Cable Television Franchise Board pursuant to that chapter to contract on such terms and conditions and impose such fees as are in the best interests of the municipality, including the grant of exclusive or nonexclusive franchises for a period not to exceed 15 years, for the placing and maintenance of cable television systems and appurtenances, or parts thereof, along public ways and including contracts with cable television companies which that receive the services of television signal transmission offered by any public utilities using public ways for such transmission. No public utility may be required to contract with the municipal officers under this subsection. Each franchise must contain the following provisions:

A. The area or areas to be served;

B. A line extension policy;

C. A provision for renewal, the term of which may not exceed 15 years;

D. Procedures for the investigation and resolution of complaints by the cable television company; and

E. Any other terms and conditions that are in the best interests of the municipality.

Sec. 3. 10 MRSA c. 226 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 226

CABLE TELEVISION REGULATION

§1499-A.__Cable Television Franchise Board