Bills · S 328
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 328Science, Technology, Communications
Stop Sports Blackouts Act
INTRO JAN 30· LAST ACTION JAN 30
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters to voters because it addresses a common and frustrating problem: paying for TV channels that suddenly disappear due to disputes between broadcasters and service providers. Currently, consumers often continue to pay their full monthly bill even when a "blackout" occurs, meaning they're paying for a service they aren't receiving.
If this bill becomes law, it would ensure customers are compensated for these blackouts, potentially putting financial pressure on companies to resolve contract disputes faster or avoid blackouts altogether. If it doesn't pass, the status quo continues, and customers will likely remain without recourse for these service interruptions.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create rules within 90 days that require cable and satellite TV providers to give rebates to customers during "blackouts."
This establishes the legal requirement for providers to compensate customers for lost programming.
PROVISION 02
Defines a "covered negotiation" as a contract dispute between a TV provider and a channel owner that results in customers losing access to programming they subscribed to.
This clarifies the specific circumstances under which rebates would be mandated, focusing on common retransmission consent disputes.
PROVISION 03
Requires the FCC to determine the appropriate amount of the rebate that providers must issue.
This ensures consistency and fairness in how customers are compensated for blackouts.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
D· Connecticut
YRS IN OFFICE
19
BILLS LED
51
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 30
Introduced in Senate
JAN 30
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 328
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 30, 2025
Last actionJan 30, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 30, 2025
Senate BillS 328Science, Technology, Communications
Stop Sports Blackouts Act
INTRODUCED JAN 30, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 30, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
