Bill S.2102 187th (2011 - 2012)

SECTION 1. Section 53F½ of chapter 44 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2010 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “utility”, in line 4, the following words:- , cable television public access.

SECTION 2. Said chapter 44, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after section 53F½ the following section:-

Section 53F¾. Notwithstanding section 53 or any other general or special law to the contrary, a city or town that accepts this section may establish in the treasury a separate revenue account to be known as the “Cable Franchise Fund”, into which may be deposited funds received in connection with a franchise agreement between a cable operator and the city or town. Monies in the fund may be appropriated for purposes consistent with the agreement or otherwise permitted by law, including, but not limited to, support public, educational or governmental access cable television services; monitor compliance of the cable operator with the franchise agreement; or prepare for renewal of the franchise license.