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Bill116th CongressFiled Nov 12, 2019Science, Technology, Communications
H.R. 5035

Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019

Bill journey · stage 2 of 5

Under committee review

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What it doesSummary passed house (Dec 10, 2019)

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.

What just happenedDec 11, 2019

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Who’s behind it

Rep. Doyle, Michael F. [D-PA-18](D-PA)Sponsor
Read on Congress.gov
2committees19actions1related bills8subjects
  1. Dec 11, 2019IntroReferral

    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  2. Dec 10, 2019FloorH38310

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  3. Dec 10, 2019FloorH37300

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H9960-9961)

  4. Dec 10, 2019Floor8000

    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)

  5. Dec 10, 2019FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5035.

  6. Dec 10, 2019FloorH30000

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9960-9961)

  7. Dec 10, 2019FloorH30300

    Mr. Doyle, Michael F. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  8. Dec 9, 2019CalendarsH12410

    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 265.

  9. Dec 9, 2019CommitteeH12200

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 116-329.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  10. Dec 9, 2019Committee5000

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 116-329.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  11. Nov 20, 2019Committee

    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  12. Nov 20, 2019Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  13. Nov 14, 2019Committee

    Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .

    Communications and Technology Subcommittee
  14. Nov 14, 2019Committee

    Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Communications and Technology Subcommittee
  15. Nov 13, 2019Committee

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

    Communications and Technology Subcommittee
  16. Nov 12, 2019IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  17. Nov 12, 2019IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  18. Nov 12, 2019IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

  19. Jun 4, 2019Committee

    Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Prior to Introduction and Referral.

    Communications and Technology Subcommittee
Passed HouseDec 10, 201953

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.

Reported to HouseDec 9, 20197

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.

Introduced in HouseNov 12, 2019

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.

Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019 — Informed