The House author of the measure, state Rep. Lance Cargill (R-Harrah), said families should have a choice in the type of programming they want to subscribe to. Senate Bill 1697 would allow municipalities, when granting or renewing franchises for cable television systems, to provide cable operators with the option of providing a tier of family themed video services in lieu of the current requirement to offer channel capacity, facilities or financial support for public access.

“This is another way we can help give parents more input into the type of programs that are broadcast into their homes and provide them the option of choosing programming that is more consistent with the values of their family,” Cargill said.

Nothing in SB 1697 would affect any channel capacity, facilities or financial support for educational or governmental access contained in any franchise or renewal.

“This is an alternative to federally-imposed channel offering,” Cargill said. He noted that government and educational public access channels are protected under his legislation. “But there are other types of public access channels, very similar to the 'Wayne's World' sketches that aired on 'Saturday Night Live,' that are just a home for shows run out of a garage with a camcorder. Those kinds of shows would be the trade-off for the family-friendly tier of programming in this bill.”

SB 1697 now returns to the Senate.