S. 328

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to promulgate regulations with respect to rebates for certain video programming blackouts, and for other purposes.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES · January 30, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Murphy · Committee: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Table of contents

• S. 328
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Rebates for video programming blackouts

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Stop Sports Blackouts Act.

SEC. 2. Rebates for video programming blackouts

• Title VII of the Communications Act of 1934 () is amended by adding at the end the following: 47 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
  • (a) Definitions
    • In this section:
      • The term covered negotiation means a negotiation with respect to—
      • The term provider means either of the following:
      • The term television broadcast station has the meaning given the term in section 325(b)(7).
      • The term video programming has the meaning given the term in section 602.
  • (b) Promulgation of regulations
    • Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Commission shall promulgate regulations—
      • to require a provider to issue to a subscriber of that provider a rebate with respect to any period during which the provider denies that subscriber, as a result of a covered negotiation, access to video programming that such provider agreed, at the time of subscription entry or renewal (as applicable), to provide to that subscriber during that period; and
      • to establish the appropriate amount of a rebate issued under paragraph (1).