MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Public Utilities

By: Representative Creel, Dedeaux

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 21-27-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CLARIFY THAT MUNICIPALITIES MAY GRANT MORE THAN ONE FRANCHISE FOR CABLE TELEVISION SERVICES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 21-27-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

21-27-5. The governing authorities of municipalities shall have the power to grant to any person, corporation, or association, on such terms and conditions as the governing authorities may prescribe, the use of the streets, alleys and other public grounds for the purpose of laying, constructing, repairing and maintaining gas, water, sewer, or steam pipes, * * * conduits for electric light, telegraph and telephone lines, cable television lines and pipe lines for the purpose of transporting crude oil, crude petroleum, kerosene, gasoline, and other commodities transportable by pipe line. However, such franchise, right-of-way or privilege of any character whatsoever shall not be granted for a longer period than twenty-five (25) years, and such privilege shall not be exclusive. Nothing in the laws of this state or in any municipal order, resolution or ordinance may be construed to prohibit a municipality from granting more than one (1) franchise, right-of-way or privilege for the operation of a cable television system.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.