Maine Video Bill Sponsor Says Gov. Mills Stopped Vote

A Maine video franchise bill hit a roadblock Thursday due to gubernatorial intervention, sponsor Rep. Chris Kessler (D) told us. Industry opposes LD-920, which would call IPTV operators utilities and raise minimum franchise fees, but the attorney general office says it’s defensible (see 2105130022). “The bill was supposed to hit the floor” Thursday, “but has been tabled while the Governor's administration finds a ‘compromise,’” Kessler emailed. It will likely be brought back to the floor this week, he said. Gov. Janet Mills (D) didn’t comment Friday. One bill opponent said it’s not involved in any negotiations. “We have lots of concerns with regard to LD 920 but frankly once it came out of committee as an Ought To Pass we became less interested because our only realistic option ... is just to not offer IPTV in Maine,” emailed Telecommunications Association of Maine Executive Director Ben Sanborn.