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House Democrat Review for 04/10/2008
By Tennessee Democrats | April 11, 2008 | 
The House Democrat Review is a weekly feature that gives Tennesseans an in-depth look at what our Democratic state legislators have been working on this week, and a glimpse into what’s planned for the coming week at our state house.
Competitive Cable & Video Services Act Announced: New bill designed to promote a climate of competition
NASHVILLE (April 10) – On Monday, House and Senate Members announced they had reached a compromise between cable television providers and AT&T, and introduced the “Competitive Cable and Video Services Act.”
“In business, for the consumer to win there has to be competition,” said Chairman Charlie Curtis (D-Sparta). “By creating a climate of competition, this new bill will encourage providers to deliver better quality services throughout Tennessee and spur faster development to underserved areas.”
Under the new bill, competitors would be able to obtain a ten-year state franchise certificate from the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA) with the requirement that the company must build-out to at least 30% of their existing service area within 3.5 years. Companies would also be required to expand 25% of their total new services to underserved and low-income areas. Failure to meet either of these goals would result substantial financial penalties.
“While we want to open up this industry to as many competitors as possible, as legislators our first priority is to the citizens of Tennessee,” said Chairman Ulysses Jones, Jr. (D-Memphis). “These new requirements will ensure quality services are provided to as many Tennesseans as possible and deter the practice of cherry-picking neighborhoods.”
The new legislation also takes steps to protect local interests, specifically the power of local government. Under the new bill local franchise fees direct to local governments will remain in effect and any construction of right-of-ways will be under local regulation and approval.
“As a former county mayor, I realize that local governments have a vested interest in seeing more competitors invest in their areas,” said Chairman Randy Rinks (D-Savannah). “This bill reaffirms local government’s place in the process and allows them to have the final word in the development of their neighborhoods.”
The bill began its process through the committee system of the House and is expected to be heard on the House floor later this month.
New Law to Require Background Checks for Day Care Workers Passes House
Also on Thursday, the House of Representatives unanimously passed tough legislation requiring criminal background checks on those applying for jobs in day care.
“Too often we hear horror stories of abuse in day care facilities that could have been avoided had proper screenings been done,” said Rep. Gary Moore (D-Nashville). “We must do more to protect our children and this legislation looks to do that.”
House Bill 3264 revises current law to require criminal background checks be completed before any approval of employment within a child care facility as well as be completed before foster care or adoptive parent rights are approved. Under the previous law information necessary for a background check could be submitted up to 10 days after employment was started or approval was given. This left a large window of opportunity for predators to potentially exploit the system.
“We have to continue to be vigilant when it comes to the safety of our children, and this new law does just that,” said Moore.
About Tennessee Democrats 
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The House Democrat Review is written by Addison Pate, press secetary for the House Democratic Caucus. Addison is the former communication director for the Tennessee State Employees Assocation and currently serves as president of the Davidson County Young Democrats.
Sections: Politics
Topics: background checks, Broadband, Cable Television, Child Care, Children, Day care, Democrats, Franchises, House Democrat Review, House of Representatives
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