TO:	Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs
FROM:	John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB256 by Hilderbran (Relating to state-issued certificates of franchise authority to provide cable service and video service.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

The bill would amend the Utilities Code to allow cable service providers or video service providers who currently hold municipal franchises to terminate that franchise and seek a state issued certificate of franchise authority for the area served under the municipal franchise.
 
Based on the analysis of the Public Utility Commission, it is assumed that duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.