SB 273 - This act modifies provisions relating to video service providers. The act adds definitions for "competitive video service", "competitive video service provider", and "video content" and modifies the definition of "gross revenues".
Prior to January 1, 2021, franchise entities may collect a video service provider fee from video service providers as set forth in the act. On and after January 1, 2021, every video service provider and competitive video service provider shall pay a fee to the Department of Revenue not to exceed 3% of gross revenues from video service or competitive video service provided to subscribers in the state.
The Department shall request certain information from video service providers and competitive video service providers to calculate and establish the rate of the fee to be charged to such providers, as set forth in the act.
The fee shall be paid annually to the Department on or after January 30th following the calendar year for which the fee is imposed.
Fees shall be collected by the Department and deposited in the Video Fee Fund created by the act. Moneys in the fund shall not be deemed to be state funds, shall not be deposited in the state treasury, and shall not be commingled with any funds of the state or subject to appropriation by the general assembly. The Department shall distribute moneys in the fund as follows:
• No more than 1% of the moneys in the fund shall be transferred to the state's general revenue fund for the actual costs of collection and administration of the fee;
• 100% of the 2019 Video Service Provider Fee Base shall be allocated and distributed among each franchise entity that imposed a video service provider fee on or before January 1, 2019; and
• All remaining funds shall be transferred to the Rural Broadband Fund established by the act to expand access to broadband internet service in unserved and underserved areas of the state.
This act is substantially similar to HB 759 (2019).
JAMIE ANDREWS