from: Nashville Public radio [1]

Statewide Cable Franchise Bill Passes General Assembly

Thursday, May 01st, 2008

A bill that would allow AT&T to expand into cable and broadband internet services statewide is on its way to the governor.

The Senate unanimously passed the measure today, after two years of behind-the-scenes bargaining between the giant phone utility and the cable television industry. Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey says he’s satisfied with the end result.

“I think it’s a good compromise, and that it will bring broadband to places that don’t have broadband now, and I think that in the end that it will, if not bring down cable prices, at least stabilize them to where you know you have competition, you obviously in theory at least you get a better service at a lower price, and I think, I do believe, we’ll see that.”

During the two years of debate over the bill, both sides launched ad campaigns touting their differing opinions and hired almost every lobbyist in town to pitch their cases to lawmakers.

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Bills that passed the Senate today/Thursday:

· Cable television service by AT and T or other statewide organizations, SB1933 Ketron/HB1421 McDaniel. The Senate passed the same wording previously passed in the House, sending the bill to the governor after two years of behind-the-scenes bargaining between the giant phone utility and the cable television industry. Our longest previous story on this issue is here.
· Open government records update, SB3280 McNally/HB3637 McDaniel. The Senate amended the bill as previously reported, limiting action to government records and not dealing with open meetings changes. In the House the bill is still in the House Finance Committee. We previously covered this issue in stories and a Capitol Hill Conversation.
· New, home-based options for TennCare enrollees needing long-term care, SB4181 Kyle/HB 4144 Ferguson. The Senate passed it 32-0, adding all members voting in the affirmative as co-sponsors. In the House the bill has been referred to the House Finance Committee.
We previously reported on this bill’s aims.