AUGUSTA - A new law sponsored by Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, that will support municipal franchise agreements, goes into effect today.
A franchise agreement, or contract, outlines the terms of service between a town and any entity that would like to sell their entertainment products over infrastructure located in the public right of way, like poles and wires. LD 1967 preserves local control for Maine towns to use the revenue from these contracts as they see fit for their community, provides a dispute resolution process for communities through the Public Utilities Commission and holds companies accountable to provide statutorily required services, such as transmitting programs in HD format and laying fiber in rural areas.
"This legislation safeguards Maine towns from incurring expensive legal battles with cable companies to enforce their franchise agreements," said Sachs. "Communities can utilize the funds from these agreements to reduce property taxes or invest in local infrastructure. It also requires accountability from these companies to our communities. I'm pleased to see this law go into effect."
Sachs is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives and represents House District 102, which includes Freeport. She serves as House chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Sachs], c. 305-965-2744