MississippiHB 16642026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Mississippi Video Service Act; create.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

More local public-access programming

When a video provider begins serving an area, it must set aside up to three channels for public, school, and government programs, or fewer if the incumbent used fewer. An area without an incumbent gets one channel, but the local government may waive it. Providers must carry the programming and provide a connection point. When technically and economically possible, providers must make reasonable efforts to connect for shared programming. The provider requesting that connection pays its cost. The public, school, or government agency is responsible for its programs and content, and must provide them in a format the provider can transmit.

Local video fees may appear on bills

Local governments can charge certified video providers a fee of up to 5% of gross revenue, and providers may list it separately on subscriber bills. When an incumbent provider is present, the rate must match its rate or the federal maximum, whichever is lower. Fees are paid quarterly, within 45 days after each quarter ends. Local governments must give 90 days’ notice before setting or changing a fee. They may audit providers no more than once a year, and providers must keep revenue records for at least three years. Undisputed payments or refunds are due within 60 days after they are identified. The law excludes certain revenue, including nonvideo services, refunds, and general taxes, from the fee calculation.

Video subscribers get stronger protections

Video providers cannot deny a group of potential residential subscribers service because of local residents’ income. Providers must offer a customer service number and a way to handle complaints, and follow federal customer service rules in effect on January 1, 2026. Unresolved complaints may go to confidential, nonbinding mediation if a local government requests it; the parties share the cost. Providers must give written notice of rate, programming, or channel changes as soon as possible. For changes they control, notice must arrive at least 30 days ahead.

New statewide rules for video providers

Beginning June 1, 2026, video providers must operate under a local franchise or a state certificate. A provider cannot hold both for the same service area. State certificates last 10 years and can be renewed for additional 10-year terms. Applicants must provide business and service-area information, verify required filings and qualifications, pay state filing fees, and maintain required insurance, including at least $1 million per occurrence for specified claims. They must provide a $1 million master performance bond or a work-related bond when requested for planned construction. The Secretary of State regulates certificate holders, while local governments retain control of public rights-of-way. Telephone companies do not need this law’s certificate or local approval for telecommunications service. Providers can change, transfer, or end certificates through required notices and filings.

Video lines get access and safety rules

Local governments must give state-certified video providers open, fair access to public rights-of-way, while keeping reasonable permit, inspection, coordination, and safety rules. They can charge nondiscriminatory fees tied to actual costs and require providers to move facilities for certain public projects at the provider’s expense. Providers must keep facilities safe and working. After written notice, they must address immediate threats promptly, fix unsafe or noncompliant facilities within 30 days, and complete routine compliance maintenance within 90 days, unless an approved extension or other allowed timeline applies. Providers generally must remove abandoned or obsolete above-ground facilities within 180 days after notice and duplicate facilities within 60 days after replacements begin service. Local governments cannot require providers to build or install facilities as a condition of service. Providers can offer other services over existing facilities without extra authorizations, though permits may be needed for equipment work in public rights-of-way.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Brent Powell
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 275 • No: 12

House vote • 3/12/2026

Concurred in Amend From Senate

Yes: 120 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 51 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/5/2026