Summary: Efficient Use of Government Spectrum Act of 2012 - Directs the President, within five years after enactment of this Act, to withdraw or modify the assignment to a federal government station of electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 1755 to 1780 megahertz. (Currently, such frequencies are occupied by the Department of Defense [DOD] and other federal agencies.) Requires the President, if a federal government station cannot be relocated from such spectrum without jeopardizing essential military capability, to modify the station's assignment of such spectrum to permit shared federal and non-federal use. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), within three years after enactment of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, to: (1) reallocate such spectrum for commercial use; and (2) as part of the competitive bidding auctions required by such Act, grant new initial licenses, subject to flexible-use service rules, for the use of such spectrum, paired with the spectrum between frequencies from 2155 to 2180 megahertz already designated for auction. Directs the proceeds attributable to the competitive bidding of the 1755 to 1780 megahertz range to be allocated in the same manner as other specified frequencies pursuant to such Act for uses including reimbursements to agencies for relocation and sharing costs, the building of the nationwide public safety broadband network, and deposits or reimbursements to the U.S. Treasury.

efficient use government spectrum act directs president years enactment act withdraw modify assignment federal government station electromagnetic spectrum frequencies megahertz currently frequencies occupied department_of_defense dod federal agencies requires president federal government station relocated spectrum jeopardizing essential military capability modify station assignment spectrum permit shared federal non federal use directs federal_communications_commission fcc years enactment middle class tax relief job creation act reallocate spectrum commercial use competitive bidding auctions required act grant new initial licenses subject flexible use service rules use spectrum paired spectrum frequencies megahertz designated auction directs proceeds attributable competitive bidding megahertz range allocated manner specified frequencies pursuant act uses including reimbursements agencies relocation sharing costs building nationwide public safety broadband network deposits reimbursements


Summary: Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on parts and accessories of oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers.

amends harmonized_tariff schedule united_states suspend temporarily duty parts accessories spectrum


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2013 the taxpayer election to expense qualified film or television production costs in the current taxable year.

amends internal revenue code extend taxpayer election expense qualified film television production costs current taxable year


Summary: Family Telephone Connection Protection Act of 2012 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to consider the following types of regulation of inmate telephone service: (1) prescribing a maximum uniform per-minute rate (paid to telephone service providers), (2) prescribing a maximum uniform service connection or other per-call rate, (3) prescribing variable maximum rates depending on factors such as carrier costs or the size of the correctional facility, (4) requiring providers of inmate telephone service to offer both collect calling and debit account services, (5) prohibiting the payment of commissions by such providers to administrators of correctional facilities, and (6) requiring such administrators to allow more than one service provider at a facility so that prisoners have a choice.

amends communications act direct federal_communications_commission fcc consider following types regulation inmate telephone service prescribing maximum uniform minute rate paid telephone service providers prescribing maximum uniform service connection rate prescribing variable maximum rates depending factors carrier costs size correctional facility requiring providers inmate telephone service offer collect calling debit account services prohibiting payment commissions providers administrators correctional facilities requiring administrators allow service provider facility prisoners choice


Summary: Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) ensure the deployment of a nationwide public safety interoperable broadband network in the 700 MHz band which is deployed in both rural and urban areas; (2) reallocate and integrate the 700 MHz D block spectrum for use by public safety entities; (3) permit flexible use of the narrowband spectrum; (4) ensure that the nationwide public safety broadband network is fully interoperable on a nationwide basis; and (5) establish a 10-year public safety advisory board. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to increase the electromagnetic spectrum allocation for public safety services by 10 megahertz. Permits the FCC, if consistent with the public interest for a licensee to relinquish voluntarily some or all of its licensed spectrum usage rights in order to permit the assignment of new initial licenses, to disburse to that licensee portions of the auction proceeds related to the new use that are attributable to the licensee's relinquished spectrum usage. Extends FCC auction authority until September 30, 2020. Authorizes secondary use of the public safety spectrum, subject to specified limitations and conditions. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the Public Safety Interoperable Broadband Network Construction Fund; and (2) the Public Safety Interoperable Broadband Network Maintenance and Operation Fund. Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish a grant program to assist public safety entities establish a nationwide public safety interoperable broadband network in the 700 MHz band.

public safety spectrum wireless innovation act directs federal_communications_commission fcc ensure deployment nationwide public safety interoperable broadband network mhz band deployed rural urban areas reallocate integrate mhz block spectrum use public safety entities permit flexible use narrowband spectrum ensure nationwide public safety broadband network fully interoperable nationwide basis establish year public safety advisory board amends communications act increase electromagnetic spectrum allocation public safety services megahertz permits fcc consistent public interest licensee relinquish voluntarily licensed spectrum usage rights order permit assignment new initial licenses disburse licensee portions auction proceeds related new use attributable licensee relinquished spectrum usage extends fcc auction authority september authorizes secondary use public safety spectrum subject specified limitations conditions establishes treasury directs assistant secretary commerce_for_communications_and_information establish grant program assist public safety entities establish nationwide public safety interoperable broadband network mhz band


Summary: Internet Freedom, Broadband Promotion, and Consumer Protection Act of 2011 - Amends title II (Common Carriers) of the Communications Act of 1934 to add the following provisions (commonly referred to as net neutrality provisions) prohibiting a broadband Internet access service provider (B-IASP) from unreasonably: (1) interfering with an end user's ability to use or offer lawful content (including fair use), applications, or services (CASs), or to use or connect to harmless legal devices; (2) interfering with competition among network or CAS providers; (3) discriminating against lawful CASs, or service providers, or preferring affiliated CASs, as specified; (4) charging for access to end users based on differing levels of quality of service (QOS) or prioritized delivery of Internet protocol (IP) packets (pay-for-priority); (5) prioritizing among or between CASs unless requested by the end user; (6) installing functions or capabilities that interfere with compliance; and (7) refusing to interconnect on reasonable terms and conditions. Defines a B-IASP as a person or entity that operates or resells and controls any facility used to provide an Internet access service directly to the public, whether provided for a fee or for free, and whether provided via wire or radio, except when such service is offered as an incidental component of a noncommunications contractual relationship. Prohibits B-IASPs from requiring end users to purchase other specified services as a condition of purchasing broadband Internet access service. Requires B-IASPs that allow end users to request QOS assurances for the transmission of IP packets associated with its own (or its affiliates) CASs to permit QOS assurances for all IP packets chosen by the end user, without regard to the chosen CASs. Prohibits QOS assurances from blocking, interfering with, or degrading any other end user's access to CASs. Allows B-IASPs to engage in reasonable network management practices determined by specified factors. Prohibits a B-IASP's practices from being considered reasonable if it charges content, applications, or other online service providers for differing QOS levels or prioritized delivery of IP packets. Permits B-IASPs to offer interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and multichannel-video programming distribution services regulated under title IV of the Act on transmission capacity also used by broadband Internet access services. Sets forth requirements for: (1) public disclosure; (2) participation in any broadband universal service fund established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); and (3) FCC enforcement, private claims, and state actions.

internet freedom consumer protection act amends title common carriers communications act add following provisions commonly referred net neutrality provisions prohibiting broadband internet access service provider unreasonably interfering end user ability use offer lawful content including fair use applications services use connect harmless legal devices interfering competition network cas providers discriminating lawful service providers affiliated specified charging access end users based levels quality service prioritized delivery internet protocol packets pay priority prioritizing requested end user installing functions capabilities interfere compliance refusing interconnect reasonable terms conditions defines person entity operates controls facility provide internet access service directly public provided fee free provided wire radio service offered incidental component contractual relationship prohibits requiring end users purchase specified services condition purchasing broadband internet access service requires allow end users request assurances transmission packets associated affiliates permit assurances packets chosen end user regard chosen prohibits assurances blocking interfering degrading end user access allows engage reasonable network management practices determined specified factors prohibits practices considered reasonable charges content applications online service providers levels prioritized delivery packets permits offer interconnected voice internet protocol voip multichannel video programming distribution services regulated title act transmission capacity broadband internet access services sets forth requirements public disclosure participation broadband universal service fund established federal_communications_commission fcc fcc enforcement private claims state actions


Summary: Spectrum Optimization Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish competitive bidding rules for conducting auctions of certain licensed spectrum that a licensee voluntarily relinquishes for assignment of new initial licenses subject to new service rules or for other purposes, in which a portion of the auction proceeds are shared with such relinquishing licensees. Requires the FCC to commence such auctions (commonly referred to as incentive auctions) within two years after enactment of this Act. Excludes such proceeds from being deposited in the Treasury under specified provisions.

spectrum optimization act amends communications act direct federal_communications_commission fcc establish competitive bidding rules conducting auctions certain licensed spectrum licensee voluntarily relinquishes assignment new initial licenses subject new service rules purposes portion auction proceeds shared relinquishing licensees requires fcc commence auctions commonly referred incentive auctions years enactment act excludes proceeds deposited treasury specified provisions


Summary: Reforming Airwaves by Developing Incentives and Opportunistic Sharing Act or the RADIOS Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), subject to specified national security, classified information, and public safety exceptions, and in consultation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Office of Science and Technology Policy, to: (1) biennially inventory each radio spectrum band from 300 megahertz to at least 6.5 gigahertz managed by each such agency, including information on the total spectrum authorized for each licensee or federal government user and the approximate number of deployed or authorized transmitters, end-user terminals, or receivers (excluding unintended radiators) in the band; and (2) make the information available to the public through the Internet. Directs the FCC and NTIA to conduct a study of occupancy on the electromagnetic spectrum (between, at least, 100 megahertz and 10 gigahertz) based on the extent of the use of such spectrum. Directs the FCC and NTIA to determine appropriate benchmarks for assessing: (1) the utilization of each electromagnetic spectrum band, and (2) the availability of services operating in bands capable of offering substitutable services. Requires the FCC to study and seek public comment on means of providing greater predictability in the determination of harmful interference along the electromagnetic spectrum. Directs the FCC and NTIA to identify specified close proximity electromagnetic spectrum most feasible for: (1) spectrum sharing opportunities for commercial and federal government users, (2) spectrum reuse opportunities for commercial and federal government users, (3) temporary or dynamic short-term assignment and use, and (4) spectrum layering opportunities for commercial and federal government users. Directs the FCC and NTIA to: (1) implement pilot programs (and possibly permanent programs, if deemed viable) to promote spectrum sharing and reuse activities for such identified spectrum bands, (2) examine each radio spectrum band from 2.5 to 6 gigahertz to determine spectrum sharing opportunities for high bandwidth, low-power applications and services, (3) perform a cost-benefit analysis on electromagnetic spectrum relocation opportunities to move certain federal users and services currently operating in a specific band of the spectrum to more efficient spectrum bands, and (4) establish the Spectrum Advisory Committee. Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to provide for the reversion of unused Spectrum Relocation Fund amounts to the Treasury after 20 years (current law provides for reversion after 8 years). Requires each transmission system (any telecommunications, broadcast, satellite, commercial mobile service, or other communications system that employs radio spectrum) to be designated and operated in a manner that prevents impairment by reasonably used adjacent spectrum. Directs to ensure such compliance: (1) manufacturers of transmission system products and services, and (2) each licensee or approved federal government user. Directs the FCC and NTIA to conduct: (1) a cost-benefit analysis on the value of improving received standards as it relates to increasing spectral efficiency, improving operation of services in adjacent frequencies, narrowing the guard bands between adjacent spectrum use, and improving overall receiver performance for the end user; and (2) a feasibility study on a more efficient spectrum incentive pricing system. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that, if consistent with the public interest for an eligible licensee to relinquish some or all of its spectrum usage rights in order to permit the assignment of new initial licenses or the allocation of spectrum for unlicensed use, the proceeds from the use of a competitive bidding system may be shared with any such eligible licensee. Extends the FCC's auction authority until September 30, 2017. Directs the NTIA to establish spectrum efficiency and utilization baselines for the use of spectrum assigned to each federal agency. Requires a federal agency that fails to meet the baseline to file a cost report and analysis (determined to be reasonable by the NTIA) as a condition to receiving funds from the NTIA and OMB to defray necessary upgrade costs. Requires the Department of Commerce and the FCC to triennially develop a 10-year National Strategic Spectrum Plan, as specified. Directs the OMB to rewrite Circular A-11 to ensure that federal agencies give more consideration to spectrum use in their management processes. Requires each federal agency, to the extent feasible, to share existing spectrum assignments with non-federal users. Requires the FCC and NTIA to issue and seek public comment on a report providing a strategy for coexistence of licensed and unlicensed use of spectrum and a determination of the amount of spectrum appropriate for unlicensed devices. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to: (1) install or retrofit wireless Internet connections in federal buildings; and (2) allow wireless neutral host providers, upon request, to install such systems in all publicly accessible federal buildings.

reforming developing incentives sharing act act amends communications act require federal_communications_commission fcc subject specified national security classified information public safety exceptions consultation national_telecommunications_and_information_administration ntia office_of_science_and_technology_policy biennially inventory radio spectrum band megahertz gigahertz managed agency including information total spectrum authorized licensee federal government user approximate number deployed authorized transmitters end user terminals receivers excluding unintended band information available public internet directs fcc ntia conduct study occupancy electromagnetic spectrum megahertz gigahertz based extent use spectrum directs fcc ntia determine appropriate benchmarks assessing utilization electromagnetic spectrum band availability services operating bands capable offering services requires fcc study seek public comment means providing greater predictability determination harmful interference electromagnetic spectrum directs fcc ntia identify specified close proximity electromagnetic spectrum feasible spectrum sharing opportunities commercial federal government users spectrum reuse opportunities commercial federal government users temporary dynamic short term assignment use spectrum opportunities commercial federal government users directs fcc ntia implement pilot programs possibly permanent programs deemed viable promote spectrum sharing reuse activities identified spectrum bands examine radio spectrum band gigahertz determine spectrum sharing opportunities high low power applications services perform cost benefit analysis electromagnetic spectrum relocation opportunities certain federal users services currently operating specific band spectrum efficient spectrum bands establish amends national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act provide reversion unused spectrum_relocation_fund amounts treasury years current law provides reversion years requires transmission system telecommunications broadcast satellite commercial mobile service communications system employs radio spectrum designated operated manner prevents impairment reasonably adjacent spectrum directs ensure compliance manufacturers transmission system products services licensee approved federal government user directs fcc ntia conduct cost benefit analysis value improving received standards relates increasing efficiency improving operation services adjacent frequencies guard bands adjacent spectrum use improving overall receiver performance end user feasibility study efficient spectrum incentive pricing system amends communications act provide consistent public interest eligible licensee relinquish spectrum usage rights order permit assignment new initial licenses allocation spectrum unlicensed use proceeds use competitive bidding system shared eligible licensee extends fcc auction authority september directs ntia establish spectrum efficiency utilization baselines use spectrum assigned federal agency requires federal agency fails meet baseline file cost report analysis determined reasonable ntia condition receiving funds ntia omb defray necessary upgrade costs requires department_of_commerce fcc triennially develop year national strategic spectrum plan specified directs omb circular a-11 ensure federal agencies consideration spectrum use management processes requires federal agency extent feasible share existing spectrum assignments non federal users requires fcc ntia issue seek public comment report providing strategy licensed unlicensed use spectrum determination spectrum appropriate unlicensed devices requires administrator general_services_administration gsa install retrofit wireless internet connections federal buildings allow wireless neutral host providers request install systems publicly accessible federal buildings


Summary: Spectrum Relocation Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to post on its website (while taking appropriate measures to safeguard classified or sensitive information) detailed transition plans from each federal entity that is eligible for payments from the Spectrum Relocation Fund for costs related to the reallocation of frequencies from federal to nonfederal use. Requires each federal entity's transition plan to provide certain public information about its spectrum relocation requirements including its: (1) current spectrum use; (2) geographic location of federal facilities or systems, including frequency bands used; (3) steps to be taken to relocate current spectrum uses from eligible frequencies; (4) necessary NTIA interactions; (5) authorized commercial licensee negotiator; (6) plans and timelines for equipment procurement, field-testing, and additional personnel; and (7) relocation process risk factors. Directs the FCC and the NTIA to jointly establish any necessary applicable conditions to define the term "shared access," including methods of sharing spectrum resources and coordination between federal and nonfederal entities (commercial licensees, and/or sharing network infrastructure or other resources). Requires the federal entities, to the fullest extent possible, to provide for sharing and coordination of eligible frequencies with commercial licensees. Requires federal entities to complete spectrum relocation within one year of receiving relocation payments. Sets forth a process for a federal entity to complete such relocation according to an approved alternative time period.

spectrum relocation improvement act amends national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act require national_telecommunications_and_information_administration ntia post website taking appropriate measures safeguard classified sensitive information detailed transition plans federal entity eligible payments spectrum_relocation_fund costs related reallocation frequencies federal nonfederal use requires federal entity transition plan provide certain public information spectrum relocation requirements including current spectrum use geographic location federal facilities systems including frequency bands steps taken relocate current spectrum uses eligible frequencies necessary ntia interactions authorized commercial licensee plans timelines equipment procurement field testing additional personnel relocation process risk factors directs fcc ntia jointly establish necessary applicable conditions define term shared access including methods sharing spectrum resources coordination federal nonfederal entities commercial licensees sharing network infrastructure resources requires federal entities fullest extent possible provide sharing coordination eligible frequencies commercial licensees requires federal entities complete spectrum relocation year receiving relocation payments sets forth process federal entity complete relocation according approved alternative time period


Summary: Next Generation Television Marketplace Act of 2011 - Repeals provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 concerning: (1) the carriage of distant television stations and significantly viewed signals by satellite carriers, (2) the retransmittal of television signals to eligible state counties in the designated market area of another state by cable operators or satellite carriers, (3) the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) qualified carrier certification process, (4) the designation of cable channels for commercial video programming use, (5) the carriage of local commercial television signals and qualified low power stations by cable operators, (6) the FCC's authority to adopt syndicated exclusivity rules for private home viewing of secondary transmissions by satellite of broadcast station signals, and (7) the requirement that cable systems or other multichannel video programming distributors obtain consent to retransmit a broadcasting station signal. Repeals and revises provisions concerning: (1) the carriage of local television signals by satellite carriers, and (2) the regulation of rates and broadcast signal carriage. Makes several existing requirements concerning the carriage of local television broadcast stations applicable only to qualified noncommercial educational television stations. Repeals federal copyright laws requiring statutory licenses for certain secondary transmissions of distant and local television programming by satellite carriers. Extends exemptions from copyright infringement laws to certain secondary transmissions by cable systems and satellite carriers. Repeals provisions concerning cable system: (1) nonsimultaneous transmission infringement, and (2) statutory licenses for secondary transmissions. Directs the FCC to repeal related FCC rules and eliminate: (1) restrictions on the number of broadcast television stations that a person or entity may own, operate, or control in the same designated market area under the local television multiple ownership rule; (2) the radio-television cross-ownership rule; and (3) limitations on the direct or indirect ownership, operation, or control of a broadcast television station by a person or entity that owns, operates, or controls a daily newspaper under the daily newspaper cross-ownership rule. Requires that this Act take effect on July 1, 2014, subject to the exception that contracts, understandings, and arrangements related to retransmission consent and the distribution of video programming entered into prior to its enactment be provided for under special transitional provisions.

repeals provisions communications act concerning carriage distant television stations significantly viewed signals satellite carriers television signals eligible state counties designated market area state cable operators satellite carriers federal_communications_commission fcc qualified carrier certification process designation cable channels commercial video programming use carriage local commercial television signals qualified low power stations cable operators fcc authority adopt exclusivity rules private home viewing secondary transmissions satellite broadcast station signals requirement cable systems multichannel video programming distributors obtain consent retransmit broadcasting station signal repeals revises provisions concerning carriage local television signals satellite carriers regulation rates broadcast signal carriage makes existing requirements concerning carriage local television broadcast stations applicable qualified noncommercial educational television stations repeals federal copyright laws requiring statutory licenses certain secondary transmissions distant local television programming satellite carriers extends exemptions copyright infringement laws certain secondary transmissions cable systems satellite carriers repeals provisions concerning cable system transmission infringement statutory licenses secondary transmissions directs fcc repeal related fcc rules eliminate restrictions number broadcast television stations person entity operate control designated market area local television multiple ownership rule radio television cross ownership rule limitations direct indirect ownership operation control broadcast television station person entity owns operates controls daily newspaper daily newspaper cross ownership rule requires act effect july subject exception contracts arrangements related retransmission consent distribution video programming entered prior enactment provided special transitional provisions


Summary: Radio Spectrum Inventory Act of 2012 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), subject to specified national security, classified information, and public safety exceptions, and in consultation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Office of Science and Technology Policy, to: (1) biennially inventory each radio spectrum band from 300 megahertz to at least 6.5 gigahertz managed by each such agency, including information on the total spectrum authorized for each licensee or federal government user and the approximate number of deployed or authorized transmitters, end-user terminals, or receivers (excluding unintended radiators) in the band; and (2) make the information available to the public on a searchable Internet website.

amends communications act require federal_communications_commission fcc subject specified national security classified information public safety exceptions consultation national_telecommunications_and_information_administration ntia office_of_science_and_technology_policy biennially inventory radio spectrum band megahertz gigahertz managed agency including information total spectrum authorized licensee federal government user approximate number deployed authorized transmitters end user terminals receivers excluding unintended band information available public searchable internet website


Summary: Cameras in the Courtroom Act - Requires the Supreme Court to permit television coverage of all open sessions of the Court unless it decides by majority vote that allowing such coverage in a particular case would violate the due process rights of any of the parties involved.

cameras courtroom act requires supreme court permit television coverage open sessions court decides majority vote allowing coverage particular case violate process rights parties involved


Summary:
Fairness in Political Advertising Act of 2013 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each licensee for a television broadcasting station to make available free broadcast time in each even-numbered year for political advertising. Provides standards for time allotment, including total time to be allotted, the length of each unit of such free time, the hours of the day and the time of the year in which such free time must be allowed, a limitation on such free time, and the use of such free time. Requires candidates meeting certain minimum qualifying standards to be treated equally for purposes of such allotment.

Provides that nothing in this Act shall restrict a candidate's right to purchase other broadcast time on such station.

Requires a cable operator to make available annually free cable time for political advertising under similar requirements.

Prohibits the renewal of the license of any television broadcast station licensee, or the franchise of any cable operator, that fails to comply with such requirements.

fairness political advertising act amends communications act require licensee television broadcasting station available free broadcast time numbered year political advertising provides standards time allotment including total time allotted length unit free time hours day time year free time allowed limitation free time use free time requires candidates meeting certain minimum qualifying standards treated equally purposes allotment provides act shall restrict candidate right purchase broadcast time station requires cable operator available annually free cable time political advertising similar requirements prohibits renewal license television broadcast station licensee franchise cable operator fails comply requirements


Summary:
Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act - Prohibits shipping or distributing in interstate commerce, selling, or renting a video game the outside packaging of which does not display a label containing an age-based content rating determined by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB).

Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to require all retail establishments that sell video games to display information about the ESRB content rating system.

Prohibits any person from selling or renting video games containing the ESRB content rating of: (1) "adults only" to any person under the age of 18, or (2) "mature" to any person under the age of 17.

Treats violations of such requirements and prohibitions as an unfair or deceptive act or practice subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 per violation.

shipping distributing interstate commerce selling renting video game outside packaging display label containing age based content rating determined directs federal_trade_commission ftc require retail establishments sell video games display information content rating system prohibits person selling renting video games containing content rating adults person age mature person age treats violations requirements prohibitions unfair deceptive act practice subject civil penalty violation


Summary: Family Telephone Connection Protection Act of 2013 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to consider the following types of regulation of inmate telephone service: (1) prescribing a maximum uniform per-minute rate (paid to telephone service providers), (2) prescribing a maximum uniform service connection or other per-call rate, (3) prescribing variable maximum rates depending on factors such as carrier costs or the size of the correctional facility, (4) requiring providers of inmate telephone service to offer both collect calling and debit account services, (5) prohibiting the payment of commissions by such providers to administrators of correctional facilities, and (6) requiring such administrators to allow more than one service provider at a facility so that prisoners have a choice.


Summary:
Prohibits federal funding to organizations incorporated for specified purposes related to: (1) broadcasting, transmitting, and programming over noncommercial educational radio broadcast stations, networks, and systems; (2) cooperating with foreign broadcasting systems and networks in international radio programming and broadcasting; (3) assisting and supporting such noncommercial educational radio broadcasting pursuant to the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967; (4) paying dues to such organizations; or (5) acquiring radio programs by or for the use of a radio broadcast station that is a public broadcast station as defined in the Communications Act of 1934.

Revises the Public Broadcasting Fund allocation formula.

prohibits federal funding organizations incorporated specified purposes related broadcasting transmitting programming noncommercial educational radio broadcast stations networks systems cooperating foreign broadcasting systems networks international radio programming broadcasting assisting supporting noncommercial educational radio broadcasting pursuant paying dues organizations acquiring radio programs use radio broadcast station public broadcast station defined communications act revises allocation formula


Summary:
Efficient Use of Government Spectrum Act of 2013 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), within three years after enactment of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, to: (1) reallocate electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 1755 to 1780 megahertz (currently, such frequencies are occupied by the Department of Defense [DOD] and other federal agencies); and (2) as part of the competitive bidding auctions required by such Act, grant new initial licenses, subject to flexible-use service rules, for the use of such spectrum, paired with the spectrum between frequencies from 2155 to 2180 megahertz already designated for auction.

Directs the proceeds attributable to the competitive bidding of the 1755 to 1780 megahertz range to be allocated in the same manner as other specified frequencies pursuant to such Act for uses including reimbursements to agencies for relocation and sharing costs, the building of the nationwide public safety broadband network, and deposits or reimbursements to the U.S. Treasury.

Requires such spectrum to be relocated in a manner to ensure cooperation between federal and commercial entities under procedures in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act, except for DOD-operated spectrum, which shall be relocated under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000.

Directs federal entities operating a federal government station, within a specified period before commencement of competitive bidding, to identify stations that cannot be relocated without jeopardizing essential military capability. Requires the transition plans of federal entities identifying such essential spectrum to: (1) provide for non-federal users to share such stations, and (2) limit any necessary exclusion zones to the smallest possible zones.

Directs the President to withdraw assignments upon relocation or to modify assignments to permit federal and non-federal use.

efficient use government spectrum act directs federal_communications_commission fcc years enactment middle class tax relief job creation act reallocate electromagnetic spectrum frequencies megahertz currently frequencies occupied department_of_defense dod federal agencies competitive bidding auctions required act grant new initial licenses subject flexible use service rules use spectrum paired spectrum frequencies megahertz designated auction directs proceeds attributable competitive bidding megahertz range allocated manner specified frequencies pursuant act uses including reimbursements agencies relocation sharing costs building nationwide public safety broadband network deposits reimbursements requires spectrum relocated manner ensure cooperation federal commercial entities procedures national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act dod operated spectrum shall relocated national defense authorization act fiscal year directs federal entities operating federal government station specified period commencement competitive bidding identify stations relocated jeopardizing essential military capability requires transition plans federal entities identifying essential spectrum provide non federal users share stations limit necessary exclusion zones smallest possible zones directs president withdraw assignments relocation modify assignments permit federal non federal use


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) (the Secretary with respect to lands under the respective jurisdiction), for any film crew of five persons or fewer, to require a permit and assess an annual fee of $200 for commercial filming activities or similar projects on federal lands and waterways administered by the Secretary. Makes such a permit valid for such activities or projects that occur in areas designated for public use during public hours on all federal lands and waterways administered by the Secretary for a 12-month period.

Prohibits the Secretary, for persons holding such a permit, from assessing any additional fee for commercial filming activities and similar projects that occur in those areas during those hours.

Bars the Secretary from prohibiting, as a motorized vehicle or under any other purposes, the use of cameras or related equipment used for commercial filming activities or similar projects in accordance with this Act on federal lands and waterways administered by the Secretary.

Requires the Secretary to recover (under current law, collect) costs incurred as a result of filming activities or similar projects, including but not limited to, administrative and personnel costs.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated directs secretary interior secretary agriculture usda secretary respect lands respective jurisdiction film crew persons fewer require permit assess annual fee commercial filming activities similar projects federal lands waterways administered secretary makes permit valid activities projects occur areas designated public use public hours federal lands waterways administered secretary month period prohibits secretary persons holding permit assessing additional fee commercial filming activities similar projects occur areas hours bars secretary prohibiting motorized vehicle purposes use cameras related equipment commercial filming activities similar projects accordance act federal lands waterways administered secretary requires secretary recover current law collect costs incurred result filming activities similar projects including limited administrative personnel costs


Summary:
Wireless Microphone Users Interference Protection Act of 2013 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to expand eligibility for specified licenses authorizing the operation of low power auxiliary stations to the owners of, and operators of events and performances at:

 amusement parks, arenas, convention centers, educational facilities, houses of worship, lodging facilities, museums, outdoor venues, recording studios, and theaters. Requires the FCC to: (1) expand scope of service and permissible transmission regulations to include the use of wireless microphones in rehearsals and live or recorded events and performances by such licensees, and (2) establish two safe haven channels for exclusive use by wireless microphone users.

Directs the FCC to authorize owners and operators of wireless microphones to have access to TV bands databases to protect wireless microphone operations from interference. (The purpose of the TV bands database is to provide unlicensed Television Band Devices [TVBDs] with the available TV channels at the TVBD's location and to register fixed TVBDs and other locations protected from interference that are not otherwise recorded in FCC licensing databases.)

Permits restaurants, as well as the persons and entities made eligible for licenses by this Act, to be registered in such databases as sites where wireless microphone operations shall be protected from interference.

wireless users interference protection act directs federal_communications_commission fcc expand eligibility specified licenses authorizing operation low power auxiliary stations owners operators events performances amusement parks convention centers educational facilities houses worship lodging facilities museums outdoor venues recording theaters requires fcc expand scope service permissible transmission regulations include use wireless live recorded events performances licensees establish safe haven channels exclusive use wireless users directs fcc authorize owners operators wireless access bands databases protect wireless operations interference purpose bands database provide unlicensed available channels location register fixed locations protected interference recorded fcc licensing databases permits restaurants persons entities eligible licenses act registered databases sites wireless operations shall protected interference


Summary: Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from adopting any rule or policy prohibiting a multichannel video programming distributor from placing into service navigation devices for sale, lease, or use that perform both conditional access and other functions in a single integrated device. Repeals any such rule or policy adopted by the FCC prior to enactment of this Act.

amends communications act prohibit federal_communications_commission fcc adopting rule policy prohibiting multichannel video programming distributor placing service navigation devices sale lease use perform conditional access functions single integrated device repeals rule policy adopted fcc prior enactment act


Summary:
Video Consumers Have Options in Choosing Entertainment Act of 2013 or the Video CHOICE Act of 2013 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to allow the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), if a negotiation for a replacement or extended retransmission consent agreement between a television broadcast station and a multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) reaches an impasse resulting in the expiration of the carriage rights of the MVPD, to authorize interim carriage of such station by the MVPD pending the conclusion of a new agreement.

Prohibits a station that elects to grant retransmission consent from entering into an agreement with an MVPD that is conditioned on carriage of any other programming affiliated with such station (or with a person who owns or controls, is owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control with such station).

Directs the FCC to complete a rulemaking proceeding to determine whether, during retransmission consent negotiations or after the parties to such negotiations reach an impasse resulting in the expiration of an existing agreement, the blocking of online content owned by or affiliated with a television broadcast station constitutes a failure to negotiate in good faith under communications laws addressing false, fraudulent, or unauthorized transmissions.

 Removes from the minimum contents of a basic service tier a requirement for cable system operators to provide to subscribers any signal of any television broadcast station that is provided by the cable operator to any subscriber, thereby enabling subscribers to obtain basic cable television service without receiving broadcast stations that elect to collect fees through retransmission consent agreements.

Requires each cable system operator to offer its subscribers a separately available retransmission consent service tier that consists only of the signal of each television broadcast station electing retransmission consent that is carried on the cable system. Makes such retransmission consent service tier subject to the same rate regulation as the basic service tier.

 Prohibits cable operators from requiring a subscription to any tier of service other than the required basic service tier as a condition of access to, or from discriminating between subscribers to the basic service tier and other subscribers with regard to the rates charged for: (1) video programming offered on a per channel or per program basis, or (2) the retransmission consent service established under this Act. (Thus, prohibits services or programming from being limited to certain "bundling" arrangements.)

Directs the FCC to submit to Congress an annual report regarding the costs paid by MVPDs for carriage of regional and national television sports networks in the top 20 regional sports markets.

video consumers options choosing entertainment act video choice act amends communications act allow federal_communications_commission fcc negotiation replacement extended retransmission consent agreement television broadcast station multichannel video programming distributor mvpd reaches impasse resulting expiration carriage rights mvpd authorize interim carriage station mvpd pending conclusion new agreement prohibits station elects grant retransmission consent entering agreement mvpd conditioned carriage programming affiliated station person owns controls owned controlled common ownership control station directs fcc complete rulemaking proceeding determine retransmission consent negotiations parties negotiations reach impasse resulting expiration existing agreement blocking online content owned affiliated television broadcast station constitutes failure negotiate good faith communications laws addressing false fraudulent unauthorized transmissions removes minimum contents basic service tier requirement cable system operators provide subscribers signal television broadcast station provided cable operator subscriber enabling subscribers obtain basic cable television service receiving broadcast stations elect collect fees retransmission consent agreements requires cable system operator offer subscribers separately available retransmission consent service tier consists signal television broadcast station electing retransmission consent carried cable system makes retransmission consent service tier subject rate regulation basic service tier prohibits cable operators requiring subscription tier service required basic service tier condition access discriminating subscribers basic service tier subscribers regard rates charged video programming offered channel program basis retransmission consent service established act prohibits services programming limited certain bundling arrangements directs fcc submit congress annual report costs paid mvpds carriage regional national television sports networks regional sports markets


Summary:
Next Generation Television Marketplace Act - Repeals provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 concerning: (1) the carriage of distant television stations and significantly viewed signals by satellite carriers, (2) the retransmittal of television signals to eligible state counties in the designated market area of another state by cable operators or satellite carriers, (3) the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) qualified carrier certification process, (4) the designation of cable channels for commercial video programming use, (5) the carriage of local commercial television signals and qualified low power stations by cable operators, (6) the FCC's authority to adopt syndicated exclusivity rules for private home viewing of secondary transmissions by satellite of broadcast station signals, and (7) the requirement that cable systems or other multichannel video programming distributors obtain consent to retransmit a broadcasting station signal.

Repeals and revises provisions concerning: (1) the carriage of local television signals by satellite carriers, and (2) the regulation of rates and broadcast signal carriage. Makes several existing requirements concerning the carriage of local television broadcast stations applicable only to qualified noncommercial educational television stations.

Repeals federal copyright laws requiring statutory licenses for certain secondary transmissions of distant and local television programming by satellite carriers. Eliminates certain categories of remedies relating to alteration of programming violations by cable systems.

Extends exemptions from copyright infringement laws to certain secondary transmissions by cable systems and satellite carriers. Repeals provisions concerning cable system: (1) nonsimultaneous transmission infringement, and (2) statutory licenses for secondary transmissions.

Directs the FCC to repeal related FCC rules and eliminate: (1) restrictions on the number of broadcast television stations that a person or entity may own, operate, or control in the same designated market area under the local television multiple ownership rule; (2) the radio-television cross-ownership rule; and (3) limitations on the direct or indirect ownership, operation, or control of a broadcast television station by a person or entity that owns, operates, or controls a daily newspaper under the daily newspaper cross-ownership rule.

Requires this Act to take effect on January 1, 2018.

act repeals provisions communications act concerning carriage distant television stations significantly viewed signals satellite carriers television signals eligible state counties designated market area state cable operators satellite carriers federal_communications_commission fcc qualified carrier certification process designation cable channels commercial video programming use carriage local commercial television signals qualified low power stations cable operators fcc authority adopt exclusivity rules private home viewing secondary transmissions satellite broadcast station signals requirement cable systems multichannel video programming distributors obtain consent retransmit broadcasting station signal repeals revises provisions concerning carriage local television signals satellite carriers regulation rates broadcast signal carriage makes existing requirements concerning carriage local television broadcast stations applicable qualified noncommercial educational television stations repeals federal copyright laws requiring statutory licenses certain secondary transmissions distant local television programming satellite carriers eliminates certain categories remedies relating alteration programming violations cable systems extends exemptions copyright infringement laws certain secondary transmissions cable systems satellite carriers repeals provisions concerning cable system transmission infringement statutory licenses secondary transmissions directs fcc repeal related fcc rules eliminate restrictions number broadcast television stations person entity operate control designated market area local television multiple ownership rule radio television cross ownership rule limitations direct indirect ownership operation control broadcast television station person entity owns operates controls daily newspaper daily newspaper cross ownership rule requires act effect january


Summary: Promoting Rural Broadband Act of 2014 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), when prescribing regulations concerning the competitive bidding system under which electromagnetic spectrum licenses are auctioned to qualified bidders, to promote the expansion of spectrum-based services to exceptionally hard-to-serve populations in unserved and underserved geographic locations.

broadband act amends communications act require federal_communications_commission fcc prescribing regulations concerning competitive bidding system electromagnetic spectrum licenses auctioned qualified bidders promote expansion spectrum based services exceptionally hard serve populations unserved underserved geographic locations


Summary:
Open Internet Preservation Act of 2014 - Restores rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the Report and Order in the matter of preserving the open Internet and broadband industry practices (adopted on December 21, 2010) that were vacated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in Verizon v. Federal Communications Commission (decided on January 14, 2014).

Requires such rules to remain in effect until the FCC takes final action in the proceedings remanded to the FCC in such D.C. Circuit decision.

open internet preservation act restores rules adopted federal_communications_commission fcc report order matter preserving open internet broadband industry practices adopted december vacated federal_communications_commission decided january requires rules remain effect fcc takes final action proceedings remanded fcc decision


Summary:
Internet Freedom Act - Prohibits regulations adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the Report and Order in the matter of preserving the open Internet and broadband industry practices (adopted December 21, 2010) from having any force or effect.

 Prohibits the FCC from reissuing such regulations in substantially the same form, or from issuing new regulations that are substantially the same, unless such regulations are specifically authorized by a law enacted after the enactment of this Act.

Exempts from such prohibitions any regulations that the FCC determines are necessary to: (1) prevent damage to U.S. national security, (2) ensure public safety, or (3) assist or facilitate actions taken by a federal or state law enforcement agency.

internet freedom act prohibits regulations adopted federal_communications_commission fcc report order matter preserving open internet broadband industry practices adopted december having force effect prohibits fcc regulations substantially form issuing new regulations substantially regulations specifically authorized law enacted enactment act exempts prohibitions regulations fcc determines necessary prevent damage national security ensure public safety assist facilitate actions taken federal state law enforcement agency


Summary:
STELA Reauthorization Act of 2014 - Title I: Communications Provisions - (Sec. 101) Amends the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010 (STELA), to extend until December 31, 2019, the exemption from retransmission consent requirements (which prohibit cable systems or other multichannel video programming distributors [MVPDs] from retransmitting broadcasting station signals without the authority of the originating station) for satellite retransmissions of network station signals to subscribers located outside of a station's local market who reside in unserved households (commonly referred to as "distant signals"). Extends until January 1, 2020: (1) the prohibition on exclusive retransmission consent contracts, and (2) the requirement that television broadcast stations and MVPDs negotiate in good faith.

(Sec. 102) Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prohibit television broadcast stations from coordinating their negotiations or negotiating jointly in the same local market to grant retransmission consent to an MVPD, unless such stations are directly or indirectly under common de jure control permitted under FCC regulations.

(Sec. 103) Establishes a process to delay application of the FCC's amendments to joint sales agreement (JSA) rules under which a television station that sells more than 15% of the weekly advertising time of another station in the same market is attributed an ownership interest subject to ownership limitation rules. Prohibits a JSA party that submits a petition to the FCC for a waiver of such attribution rules from being considered in violation of ownership limits until the later of: (1) 18 months after the FCC denies such petition, or (2) December 31, 2016. (Currently, the FCC requires compliance with ownership limits within two years of the FCC's order adopting such amended attribution rules.)

(Sec. 104) Removes a prohibition against deletion or reposition of a local commercial television station during periods in which major television ratings services measure the size of local television station audiences (commonly referred to as "sweeps" weeks).

(Sec. 105) Repeals an integration ban that prohibits certain MVPDs from placing in service new navigation devices (set-top boxes) for sale, lease, or use that perform both conditional access (mechanisms that provide for selective access and denial of specific services and can prevent a signal from being received by unauthorized users) and other functions in a single integrated device.

(Sec. 106) Requires a Comptroller General (GAO) report concerning changes to carriage requirements currently imposed on MVPDs that would be required, or beneficial to consumers, if Congress implemented a phase-out of statutory compulsory licensing procedures (a licensing and royalty distribution system administered by the U.S. Copyright Office under which cable and satellite operators may retransmit programming, without negotiating with every copyright holder, by paying licensing royalties at statutorily-defined rates determined by Copyright Royalty Judges or by using a royalty-free license for the retransmission of local broadcasts) under federal copyright law.

(Sec. 107) Directs satellite carriers to submit annual reports to the FCC regarding: (1) the local markets in which television broadcast station signals are retransmitted with a community of license, and (2) the use and potential use of satellite capacity for the retransmission of local signals in each local market. Terminates such reporting requirements after each satellite carrier has submitted five reports.

(Sec. 108) Requires the FCC to report to Congress regarding: (1) the extent to which consumers in each local market have access to broadcast programming from television broadcast stations located outside their local market, including through carriage by cable operators and satellite carriers of signals that are significantly viewed; and (2) whether there are technologically and economically feasible alternatives to the use of designated market areas to define markets that would provide consumers with more programming options and the potential impact such alternatives could have on localism and on broadcast television locally, regionally, and nationally.

Title II: Copyright Provisions - Amends federal copyright law to extend until December 31, 2019, the statutory license under which satellite carriers retransmit distant television broadcast stations to viewers who are unable to receive signals for such stations in their local market. (Currently, the statutory licensing authority for such satellite retransmissions is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2014.)

stela reauthorization act title communications provisions sec amends communications act amended localism act stela extend december exemption retransmission consent requirements prohibit cable systems multichannel video programming distributors mvpds retransmitting broadcasting station signals authority originating station satellite retransmissions network station signals subscribers located outside station local market reside unserved households commonly referred distant signals extends january prohibition exclusive retransmission consent contracts requirement television broadcast stations mvpds negotiate good faith sec directs federal_communications_commission fcc prohibit television broadcast stations coordinating negotiations negotiating jointly local market grant retransmission consent mvpd stations directly indirectly common jure control permitted fcc regulations sec establishes process delay application fcc amendments joint sales agreement rules television station sells weekly advertising time station market attributed ownership interest subject ownership limitation rules prohibits party submits petition fcc waiver attribution rules considered violation ownership limits later months fcc denies petition december currently fcc requires compliance ownership limits years fcc order adopting amended attribution rules sec removes prohibition deletion local commercial television station periods major television ratings services measure size local television station audiences commonly referred weeks sec repeals integration ban prohibits certain mvpds placing service new navigation devices set boxes sale lease use perform conditional access mechanisms provide selective access denial specific services prevent signal received unauthorized users functions single integrated device sec requires comptroller general gao report concerning changes carriage requirements currently imposed mvpds required beneficial consumers congress implemented phase statutory compulsory licensing procedures licensing royalty distribution system administered cable satellite operators retransmit programming negotiating copyright holder paying licensing royalties statutorily defined rates determined royalty free license retransmission local broadcasts federal copyright law sec directs satellite carriers submit annual reports fcc local markets television broadcast station signals retransmitted community license use potential use satellite capacity retransmission local signals local market terminates reporting requirements satellite carrier submitted reports sec requires fcc report congress extent consumers local market access broadcast programming television broadcast stations located outside local market including carriage cable operators satellite carriers signals significantly viewed technologically economically feasible alternatives use designated market areas define markets provide consumers programming options potential impact alternatives localism broadcast television locally regionally nationally title copyright provisions amends federal copyright law extend december statutory license satellite carriers retransmit distant television broadcast stations unable receive signals stations local market currently statutory licensing authority satellite retransmissions scheduled expire december


Summary: Protecting the Rights of Musicians Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to exempt from retransmission consent requirements under which cable systems or other multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) are prohibited from retransmitting the signal of a television broadcasting station without the originating station's consent (which is generally obtained through a retransmission consent agreement under which the cable system or other MVPD provides a negotiated payment or other consideration to the station in exchange for retransmission authority) the retransmission of the signal of a television broadcast station if the licensee of such station is also the licensee of an AM or FM radio broadcast station that has transmitted a sound recording over such radio station without providing compensation for all programming carried over the signal.

protecting rights musicians act amends communications act exempt retransmission consent requirements cable systems multichannel video programming distributors mvpds prohibited retransmitting signal television broadcasting station originating station consent generally obtained retransmission consent agreement cable system mvpd provides negotiated payment consideration station exchange retransmission authority retransmission signal television broadcast station licensee station licensee radio broadcast station transmitted sound recording radio station providing compensation programming carried signal


Summary:
Orphan County Telecommunications Rights Act of 2014 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to permit an adjacent underserved county of a television broadcast station to file a petition with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to be included in the local market of such station.

Defines "adjacent underserved county" as a county within a television broadcast station's adjacent market that is: (1) located in the same state as the station's community of license, and (2) not within the local market of any other station that is affiliated with the same television network and located in the same state.

Defines "adjacent market" as any designated market area adjacent to, and partially but not entirely in the same state as, the designated market area in which the station's community of license is located. Requires a county that is not within the local or adjacent market of any network station licensed to a community in the county's state to be considered within the adjacent market of any station licensed to a community in the nearest designated market area: (1) that is located in whole or in part within such state, and (2) with respect to which the community of license of at least one network station is located both in such designated market area and in such state.

Allows the FCC to determine that a particular county is part of the local market of more than one television broadcast station affiliated with the same television network.

Prohibits a multichannel video programming distributor, during the pendency of a proceeding on a county's petition for inclusion in the local market of a television broadcast station, from deleting the signal of a station that: (1) is affiliated with the same television network, and (2) has a local market that includes such county.

Directs the FCC, if the local market of a television broadcast station is modified to include a petitioning county, to include within the television market of such station all of the communities within such county for purposes of carriage obligation requirements under which cable operators carry the signals of local commercial television stations. Requires the FCC's modification of a station's local market under this Act to also result in a modification of such marketfor purposes of statutory licensing requirements that apply to secondary transmissions of local television programming by satellite.

amends communications act permit adjacent underserved county television broadcast station file petition federal_communications_commission fcc included local market station defines adjacent underserved county county television broadcast station adjacent market located state station community license local market station affiliated television network located state defines adjacent market designated market area adjacent partially entirely state designated market area station community license located requires county local adjacent market network station licensed community county state considered adjacent market station licensed community nearest designated market area located state respect community license network station located designated market area state allows fcc determine particular county local market television broadcast station affiliated television network prohibits multichannel video programming distributor pendency proceeding county petition inclusion local market television broadcast station deleting signal station affiliated television network local market includes county directs fcc local market television broadcast station modified include petitioning county include television market station communities county purposes carriage obligation requirements cable operators carry signals local commercial television stations requires fcc modification station local market act result modification purposes statutory licensing requirements apply secondary transmissions local television programming satellite


Summary:
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to exclude from the definition of "common carrier" (regulated by the Federal Communications Commission [FCC] under the common carrier regulatory authority provided under title II of such Act) a provider of an information service or of advanced telecommunications capability when engaged in the provision of such service or capability.

Classifies broadband Internet access service as an "information service" under such Act (regulated by the FCC under title I of such Act using what is commonly referred to as a general "ancillary jurisdiction" to regulate only as may be necessary in the execution of its statutory functions).

Defines "broadband Internet access service" as a mass-market retail service by wire or radio that provides the capability to transmit data to, and receive data from, all or substantially all Internet endpoints, including any capabilities that are incidental to, and enable the operation of, the communications service, but excluding dial-up Internet access service. Provides for such definition to include a service utilizing advanced telecommunications capability under the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Prohibits a provider of an information service from being: (1) treated as a telecommunications carrier when engaged in the provision of an information service, or (2) required to offer such service or any component of such service as a telecommunications service.

Excludes from the definition of: (1) "telecommunications carrier" (treated as a common carrier only to the extent that it is engaged in providing telecommunications services, except that the FCC determines whether the provision of fixed and mobile satellite service is treated as common carriage) a provider of an information service or of advanced telecommunications capability; and (2) "telecommunications service" any service that is an information service, any component of an information service, or advanced telecommunications capability.

amends communications act exclude definition common carrier regulated federal_communications_commission fcc common carrier regulatory authority provided title act provider information service advanced telecommunications capability engaged provision service capability classifies broadband internet access service information service act regulated fcc title act commonly referred general ancillary jurisdiction regulate necessary execution statutory functions defines broadband internet access service mass market retail service wire radio provides capability transmit data receive data substantially internet endpoints including capabilities incidental enable operation communications service excluding internet access service provides definition include service utilizing advanced telecommunications capability telecommunications act prohibits provider information service treated telecommunications carrier engaged provision information service required offer service component service telecommunications service excludes definition telecommunications carrier treated common carrier extent engaged providing telecommunications services fcc determines provision fixed mobile satellite service treated common carriage provider information service advanced telecommunications capability telecommunications service service information service component information service advanced telecommunications capability


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

 Satellite Television Access Reauthorization Act of 2014 - Amends federal copyright law, as amended by the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010 (STELA), to extend until December 31, 2019, the statutory license under which satellite carriers retransmit distant television broadcast stations to viewers who are unable to receive signals for such stations in their local market. (Currently, the statutory licensing authority for such satellite retransmissions is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2014.)

measure amended introduced summary version repeated amends federal copyright law amended localism act stela extend december statutory license satellite carriers retransmit distant television broadcast stations unable receive signals stations local market currently statutory licensing authority satellite retransmissions scheduled expire december


Summary:
Granting Our People Access to Channel Choice Act of 2014 or the GO PACC Act of 2014 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a cable operator or satellite carrier to provide to certain subscribers in specified Wisconsin counties who elect to receive a television network: (1) retransmission of the signal of any local network station that such operator or carrier is otherwise required to retransmit; (2) an in-state, adjacent-market network station retransmission; or (3) both such retransmissions. Subjects satellite carriers to such requirements only to the extent that such retransmissions are technically feasible.

Defines "in-state, adjacent-market network station retransmission" as the secondary transmission by a cable operator or satellite carrier of the primary transmission of any network station whose community of license is located: (1) in a subscriber's state, and (2) in a local market that is adjacent to the subscriber's local market.

Provides for this Act to apply, with respect to such an in-state, adjacent-market network station retransmission to a subscriber, to specified Wisconsin counties (Barron, Burnett, Dunn, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix, and Washburn) that are not in the local market of any television broadcast station that is affiliated with the same network and whose community of license is located in the subscriber's state.

Exempts in-state, adjacent-market network station retransmissions in such counties from: (1) retransmission consent requirements that prohibit cable operators from retransmitting broadcast stations without the authority of the originating station, and (2) statutory licensing limitations under federal copyright laws concerning satellite retransmissions to unserved households and secondary transmissions of distant signals.

granting people access channel choice act act amends communications act require cable operator satellite carrier provide certain subscribers specified wisconsin counties elect receive television network retransmission signal local network station operator carrier required retransmit state adjacent market network station retransmission retransmissions subjects satellite carriers requirements extent retransmissions technically feasible defines state adjacent market network station retransmission secondary transmission cable operator satellite carrier primary transmission network station community license located subscriber state local market adjacent subscriber local market provides act apply respect state adjacent market network station retransmission subscriber specified wisconsin counties polk local market television broadcast station affiliated network community license located subscriber state exempts state adjacent market network station retransmissions counties retransmission consent requirements prohibit cable operators retransmitting broadcast stations authority originating station statutory licensing limitations federal copyright laws concerning satellite retransmissions unserved households secondary transmissions distant signals


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.)

STELA Reauthorization Act of 2014 - Title I: Communications Provisions - (Sec. 101) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to reauthorize and revise provisions expiring under the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010 (STELA). Extends until December 31, 2019, the exemption from retransmission consent requirements (which prohibit multichannel video programming distributors [MVPDs] from retransmitting broadcasting station signals without the authority of the originating station) for satellite retransmissions of network station signals to subscribers located outside of a station's local market who reside in unserved households (commonly referred to as "distant signals"). Extends until January 1, 2020: (1) the prohibition on exclusive retransmission consent contracts, and (2) the requirement that television broadcast stations and MVPDs negotiate in good faith.

(Sec. 102) Allows the FCC, following a written request with respect to a particular commercial television broadcast station, to add communities to or exclude communities from a station's local market. Directs the FCC to afford particular attention to the value of localism by taking into account: (1) whether the station has been carried historically within such community; (2) whether the station provides coverage or other local service to such community; (3) whether modifying the local market of the television station would promote consumers' access to television broadcast station signals that originate in their state of residence; (4) whether any other television station that is eligible to be carried by a satellite carrier in such community covers news, sporting, and other events of interest to the community; and (5) viewing patterns in households that subscribe and do not subscribe to MVPD services.

Permits the FCC to determine that communities are part of more than one local market.

Prohibits the FCC's market determinations from creating additional carriage obligations that are not technically and economically feasible for a satellite carrier by means of its satellites in operation at the time of the determination.

Prohibits a satellite carrier from deleting from carriage the signal of a commercial television broadcast station during the pendency of any such proceeding.

Requires the FCC's website to explain the market modification process, including information regarding: (1) who may petition to include communities within, or exclude communities from, a local market or television market; and (2) the factors the FCC takes into account.

(Sec. 103) Directs the FCC to revise regulations governing the exercise by television broadcast stations of the right to grant retransmission consent. Requires such revised regulations to prohibit television broadcast stations, unless such stations are under common de jure control permitted by the FCC, from: (1) coordinating negotiations or negotiating on a joint basis with another television broadcast station in the same local market to grant retransmission consent to an MVPD, and (2) limiting the ability of an MVPD to carry a television signal that has been deemed significantly viewed (or any other television broadcast signal such distributor is authorized to carry under current laws governing the carriage of local, distant, or significantly viewed television signals by satellite carriers or the carriage of local commercial television signals by cable operators) into the local market of such station.

Directs the FCC to review its totality of the circumstances test for good faith negotiations.

(Sec. 104) Delays the FCC's amendments to joint sales agreement (JSA) rules under which a television station that sells more than 15% of the weekly advertising time of another station in the same market is attributed an ownership interest subject to ownership limitations. Provides JSA parties an additional six months to comply with the amended rules.

(Sec. 105) Removes a prohibition against deletion or reposition of a local commercial television station during periods in which major television ratings services measure the size of local television station audiences (commonly referred to as "sweeps" weeks).

(Sec. 106) Terminates, one year after this Act's enactment, the FCC's set-top box integration ban that prohibits MVPDs from placing in service new navigation devices that perform both conditional access and other functions in a single integrated device. Directs the FCC to establish a working group to identify and recommend standards for a not unduly burdensome, uniform, technology-neutral, software-based, downloadable security system that promotes the competitive availability of such devices.

(Sec. 107) Requires a Comptroller General (GAO) report concerning changes to carriage requirements currently imposed on MVPDs that would be required or beneficial to consumers, if Congress implemented a phaseout of statutory compulsory licensing procedures (a licensing and royalty distribution system administered by the U.S. Copyright Office under which cable and satellite operators may retransmit programming, without negotiating with every copyright holder, by paying licensing royalties at statutorily-defined rates determined by Copyright Royalty Judges or by using a royalty-free license for the retransmission of local broadcasts) under federal copyright law.

(Sec. 108) Directs satellite carriers to submit annual reports to the FCC regarding: (1) the local markets in which television broadcast station signals are retransmitted with a community of license, and (2) the use and potential use of satellite capacity for the retransmission of local signals in each local market. Terminates such reporting requirements after each satellite carrier has submitted five reports.

(Sec. 109) Requires the FCC to submit to Congress: (1) an analysis of consumers' access to broadcast programming from television broadcast stations located outside their local market, (2) alternatives to designated market areas to provide consumers with more programming options, and (3) recommendations to increase localism in counties served by out-of-state designated market areas.

(Sec. 110) Requires the FCC's annual report on cable rates to include the aggregate average total amount that cable systems pay for retransmission consent.

(Sec. 111) Requires the FCC to establish a streamlined process for the filing of effective competition petitions (if the FCC finds that a cable system is subject to effective competition, the rates for the provision of cable service by such system are not subject to regulation by the FCC, states, or franchising authorities) by small cable operators, particularly those that serve primarily rural areas. Prohibits this Act from being construed to have any effect on the duty of a small cable operator to prove the existence of effective competition.

Title II: Copyright Provisions - Amends federal copyright law to extend until December 31, 2019, the statutory license under which satellite carriers retransmit distant television broadcast stations to viewers who are unable to receive signals for such stations in their local market. (Currently, the statutory licensing authority for such satellite retransmissions is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2014.)

Expands the local service area for cable retransmissions of low power television stations.

Title III: Severability - Provides that if any provision of this Act is held to be unconstitutional, the other provisions shall not be affected.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house passed version repeated stela reauthorization act title communications provisions sec amends communications act reauthorize revise provisions expiring localism act stela extends december exemption retransmission consent requirements prohibit multichannel video programming distributors mvpds retransmitting broadcasting station signals authority originating station satellite retransmissions network station signals subscribers located outside station local market reside unserved households commonly referred distant signals extends january prohibition exclusive retransmission consent contracts requirement television broadcast stations mvpds negotiate good faith sec allows fcc following written request respect particular commercial television broadcast station add communities exclude communities station local market directs fcc afford particular attention value localism taking account station carried historically community station provides coverage local service community modifying local market television station promote consumers access television broadcast station signals originate state residence television station eligible carried satellite carrier community covers news sporting events interest community viewing patterns households subscribe subscribe mvpd services permits fcc determine communities local market prohibits fcc market determinations creating additional carriage obligations technically economically feasible satellite carrier means satellites operation time determination prohibits satellite carrier deleting carriage signal commercial television broadcast station pendency proceeding requires fcc website explain market modification process including information petition include communities exclude communities local market television market factors fcc takes account sec directs fcc revise regulations governing exercise television broadcast stations right grant retransmission consent requires revised regulations prohibit television broadcast stations stations common jure control permitted fcc coordinating negotiations negotiating joint basis television broadcast station local market grant retransmission consent mvpd limiting ability mvpd carry television signal deemed significantly viewed television broadcast signal distributor authorized carry current laws governing carriage local distant significantly viewed television signals satellite carriers carriage local commercial television signals cable operators local market station directs fcc review totality circumstances test good faith negotiations sec delays fcc amendments joint sales agreement rules television station sells weekly advertising time station market attributed ownership interest subject ownership limitations provides parties additional months comply amended rules sec removes prohibition deletion local commercial television station periods major television ratings services measure size local television station audiences commonly referred weeks sec terminates year act enactment fcc set box integration ban prohibits mvpds placing service new navigation devices perform conditional access functions single integrated device directs fcc establish working group identify recommend standards unduly burdensome uniform technology neutral software based downloadable security system promotes competitive availability devices sec requires comptroller general gao report concerning changes carriage requirements currently imposed mvpds required beneficial consumers congress implemented phaseout statutory compulsory licensing procedures licensing royalty distribution system administered cable satellite operators retransmit programming negotiating copyright holder paying licensing royalties statutorily defined rates determined royalty free license retransmission local broadcasts federal copyright law sec directs satellite carriers submit annual reports fcc local markets television broadcast station signals retransmitted community license use potential use satellite capacity retransmission local signals local market terminates reporting requirements satellite carrier submitted reports sec requires fcc submit congress analysis consumers access broadcast programming television broadcast stations located outside local market alternatives designated market areas provide consumers programming options recommendations increase localism counties served state designated market areas sec requires fcc annual report cable rates include aggregate average total cable systems pay retransmission consent sec requires fcc establish streamlined process filing effective competition petitions fcc finds cable system subject effective competition rates provision cable service system subject regulation fcc states franchising authorities small cable operators particularly serve primarily rural areas prohibits act construed effect duty small cable operator prove existence effective competition title copyright provisions amends federal copyright law extend december statutory license satellite carriers retransmit distant television broadcast stations unable receive signals stations local market currently statutory licensing authority satellite retransmissions scheduled expire december expands local service area cable retransmissions low power television stations title iii severability provides provision act held unconstitutional provisions shall affected


Summary:
Wireless Consumer Choice Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to direct providers of commercial mobile services and commercial mobile data services to permit their subscribers to unlock any type of wireless device used to access such services. (The "unlocking" of a mobile device enables the device to connect to different networks for the purpose of switching service providers.)

Prohibits this Act from being construed to alter the terms of any valid contract between a provider and a subscriber.

wireless consumer choice act requires federal_communications_commission fcc direct providers commercial mobile services commercial mobile data services permit subscribers type wireless device access services unlocking mobile device enables device connect different networks purpose switching service providers prohibits act construed alter terms valid contract provider subscriber


Summary:
Television Consumer Freedom Act of 2013 - Allows multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) (including cable operators, multichannel multipoint distribution services, direct broadcast satellite services, or television receive-only satellite program distributors), except with respect to the minimum contents of programming required for basic tier service, to provide subscribers with any channel of video programming on an a la carte basis.

Defines "a la carte" as offering video programming for wholesale or retail purchase on an individual, per-channel basis rather than as part of a package or tier of video programming.

Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to modify the types of programming constituting the minimum contents of basic tier service.

Conditions the availability of the statutory copyright license to an MVPD on the MVPD offering local commercial television stations, and any other channels of video programming under common control with such stations, for purchase by subscribers on an a la carte basis.

Prohibits a local commercial television station from electing retransmission consent or availing itself of the protections of network program non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity regulations if such station, and any other channels of video programming under common control with such station, is not made available to MVPDs for purchase or sale on an a la carte basis. Permits a video programming vendor to offer a channel of video programming for purchase by an MVPD as part of a package only if the vendor also offers such channel for the MVPD's purchase on an a la carte basis.

Requires MVPDs and video programming vendors negotiating a la carte carriage agreements to each disclose to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the terms of their most recent offers, including price, if the parties fail to agree.

Requires a television broadcast station that does not retransmit an over-the-air signal identical to the signal retransmitted to an MVPD to forfeit any spectrum license of the station to the FCC for auctioning. Exempts commercial advertisements of up to 60 seconds in duration.

Directs the FCC to prohibit sports blackout regulations (commonly resulting in the non-airing of sporting events in local geographic markets when tickets at the venue are not sold out) from applying to the broadcast of a sporting event taking place in a venue the construction of which was financed in any part by the federal, state, or local government.

television consumer freedom act allows multichannel video programming distributors mvpds including cable operators multichannel distribution services direct broadcast satellite services television receive satellite program distributors respect minimum contents programming required basic tier service provide subscribers channel video programming basis defines offering video programming wholesale retail purchase individual channel basis package tier video programming amends communications act modify types programming constituting minimum contents basic tier service conditions availability statutory copyright license mvpd mvpd offering local commercial television stations channels video programming common control stations purchase subscribers basis prohibits local commercial television station electing retransmission consent protections network program non duplication exclusivity regulations station channels video programming common control station available mvpds purchase sale basis permits video programming vendor offer channel video programming purchase mvpd package vendor offers channel mvpd purchase basis requires mvpds video programming vendors negotiating carriage agreements disclose federal_communications_commission fcc terms recent offers including price parties fail agree requires television broadcast station retransmit air signal identical signal retransmitted mvpd forfeit spectrum license station fcc auctioning exempts commercial advertisements duration directs fcc prohibit sports blackout regulations commonly resulting non sporting events local geographic markets tickets venue sold applying broadcast sporting event taking place venue construction financed federal state local government


Summary: Cameras in the Courtroom Act - Requires the Supreme Court to permit television coverage of all open sessions of the Court unless it decides by majority vote that allowing such coverage in a particular case would violate the due process rights of any of the parties involved.

cameras courtroom act requires supreme court permit television coverage open sessions court decides majority vote allowing coverage particular case violate process rights parties involved