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from: Wisconsin Radio Network

Video Competition Act could face changes
Tuesday, December 11, 2007, 12:28 AM
By Andrew Beckett

A state lawmaker is hoping for some last minute changes to legislation deregulating the cable industry.

The proposed Video Competition Act is up for a final vote in the Assembly later today, and State Representative Gary Hebl (D-Sun Prairie) plans to offer several amendments to the bill. Hebl, a major opponent of the legislation, says it needs serious fixing before it's sent on to the Governor.

Hebl's main priority during Tuesday's debate will be to add additional consumer protections to the Act. He says Wisconsin should follow Illinois' lead. That state passed nearly 18 pages of additional protections with its version of the bill.

Hebl has several other amendments he plans to offer in the Assembly. They include giving local governments more power under franchise agreements, raising the fees video providers must pay the state, and opening the door for negotiations to end the stand off between cable providers and the Big Ten Network.

The legislation has already passed the Assembly once, but lawmakers are being asked to approve changes made in the state Senate.