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�ummary €,f the Contmunxty Accass Preserva�ion (CAP) Act (H.R. 3'�4S} Sponsor: Rep. Tam�xay Baldwin (D-W� �'ublic, ed�cational and governrr�ent ("P�G") ehazu��ls permii schooIs, govez�nents, i�d'rviduals and groaps to provide and xeceive it�.forrtiatinn about Iocal ever�is, emerg�ncies, and issues. The chaz�nels encourage creaYion nf local pzagzamanzng by civic groups and non-pro�ts, cover government and schanl meetings, and prornate localism and cieic engageznent. Th.e CAP Act respnnds tn iauz immediate i�€reats tn PEG a�d ihese cr�tical lacal co:mzz��nicatin�s. l. Uunecessary �,izxaits ou the Use of PEG funds. Issue: Under federal Iaw, a ca�le operator and a local cozntnutaity �aay n:egotzaYe far support %x �'�G use zn addziion to the franehise fee payz�ents �or use o�'pubIic zights of way. `�kze �"CC arec�ntly ruled, subject to same importa�,t exceptions, that �ar.s P�G support may anly be used for facilities and equipment, and not for PEG onerafing expenses. Ef�eci: �ozri,e cozrizra.unities are closing PEG facili�ies because t�Zere are no funcis io opexate them. Solution: The bili amends tk�e Cable Aat to e�suxe that P�G fees can be used far any I'�G ptupase. 2. lliscriminatory Tr�utment of PEG channels. Issue; 'I'�.a Cable Act pro�vides that 1'EG chanue�s should be free frozn cable operator intez%rence and generally available to a11 cable subscribers. Accordingly, operators k�istoricalIy �avs �rovided lncal � coxnmercia� televisiar� si�als and PEG in the sarrne rna�.ner, tn a11 subscri�bers, and �vithout additianal charges. Some opezators aze �ow pxovzdan.g PEG chazinels that are less accessr.ble, lower quaIiiy, missang �asic functionality and rr�ore costly. Thxee compIaints ai�out �istreaf�ent of �'EG are before the FCC, but PEG xs suifering in the meantizz�.e. Bffect: �'EG is Iess accessib�e to all subscri�ezs, and �e most vuLnexable viewers may lase access to basic Iocal infarmatznn altaget�er, Solution: The bill xeaffzz�z�s thai operaiars xnust daliver P�G c�.ar�nels tn subscribers wzfhout additianal cl�arges, az�d vza channe�s whase qua�ity, accessibility, functzonaIity, a�d placeznent is eq�aivalent to local cnmmercia� television stations. 3. �'reser�vatlo� o�` PEG Suppart and i�ocalism. Issue: �ederal law enviszoned that P�G requixe�.ents wouId be esiablis�ed a� a co�zn�znity-by- comm�.tniry basis. Se��ra1 States, w�ile intend'zng to preserve �'�G, adopted statewide videa franchising standarc�s witl-inut regard to lacal r�eeds and interesis. Effect: Siatewide standards are resuliing in widespread. elimination of �'�G. Solution: To preserve P�G, iznmediate actian is needed to permzi Co�gress to review th� zmpact of tYzese c�a�ges on lncai pzograzi�n�iing. The FCC is directed �o investigate anc� to report to Congress on t�e impact of State �ideo sex�ice franchising laws si�ce 20(l5 on P�G. 'i'o ensure PEG is preserved, each cable operator must provide fhe channels and critical faci�ities it had been provid"zz�g �.istorically. Ope:raiors zanus# znake ongning 1'�G strpport payments equal to the greater of the cash payment re�uired under Stat� Iaw, or the value of �e P�G suppo�t it historically provided. 4. Definition of Cable System. Issue: Entities that pro�ide video seavicas via wired facilities in the xights o� �vay are intended ta be subject to Cable Act zules, re�;ardless o�'t�e t�rarzs�r�ission prntocal used to deliver service, but same claim that the law is unclear, creatiug doubt as tp whexe the zuies apply. ,Solution: The Act is amer�ded ia ensure ii is technologically neutral. Providers using wired facilities in the rights of way are treated simtilarly and are subject to si�nilar PEG requiremeuts.