The Cable Transparency Act amends federal cable franchise laws to make it easier for cable operators to modify or eliminate franchise requirements and to establish indefinite franchise terms. Under the bill, cable operators can request changes to franchise requirements if they can demonstrate good cause—such as legal compliance, technological changes, or commercial impracticability—and local authorities must respond within 120 days or the request is automatically approved (except for public access channel requirements). The legislation also eliminates the traditional franchise renewal process, replacing it with continuous franchises that can only be revoked if a cable operator knowingly violates material requirements and fails to fix the problem after being given reasonable opportunity to do so. Cable operators can voluntarily terminate their franchises by submitting a written request, which must be approved within 90 days. The bill takes effect six months after enactment and applies to new franchises granted after that date, as well as existing franchises that remain in effect at that time.
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