Legislature approves cable bill

Both the Georgia House of Representatives and the Georgia Senate have signed off on a bill that will make it easier for television, telephone and internet companies to negotiate cable franchise agreements.

Under House Bill 227 companies would be able to negotiate franchise agreements ╉ which give them permission to operate in communities and use public rights of way ╉ through the Georgia Secretary of State's Office instead of dealing with individual communities.

The bill had already been passed by both bodies of the General Assembly, but the House had to vote today to agree to small changes made by the Senate. House members did so unanimously.

The bill now moves to the governor, and if he signs it, it becomes law.