§ 30-A §3009-B — Dispute resolution

When there is a dispute between a municipality and a video service provider relating to negotiations of a franchise agreement or contract, the obligations of the parties under the agreement or contract or the obligations of the video service provider under sections 3008 and 3010, the municipality or video service provider may seek resolution under subsection 1 or 2. For purposes of this section, unless the context indicates otherwise, "video service provider" has the same meaning as in section 3008, subsection 1‑A, paragraph J.
1.
Public Utilities Commission process.
The Public Utilities Commission shall adopt a process for dispute resolution between a municipality and a video service provider in accordance with this subsection. The commission shall adopt rules to implement this subsection, except that the commission may not adopt a process that addresses any provision of section 3010 relating to consumer rights and protections. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.
2.
Binding arbitration.
A municipality or a video service provider may request binding arbitration by a mutually agreed upon arbitrator from a statewide association of mediators. The arbitration must be conducted consistent with the general procedures set forth in the Uniform Arbitration Act. If the municipality and the video service provider are unable to agree on an arbitrator, they may request that a statewide association of mediators select an arbitrator.

Legislative History

PL 2023, c. 502, §15 (NEW).