Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §8301, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6, is amended to read:

§8301. Public Utilities Commission regulation

Cable television companies, to the extent they offer services like those of telephone utilities subject to regulation by the commission, shall be are subject to the commission's jurisdiction over rates, charges and practices, as provided in this Title.

In accordance with 47 United States Code, Sections 532 and 543, the commission shall regulate basic service tier rates and services provided by any cable system that is not subject to effective competition.__The commission by rule shall establish appropriate procedures for conducting the regulation.

Sec. 2. 35-A MRSA §§8303 to 8306 are enacted to read:

§8303.__Service, product or rate change; hearing; complaint

1. Hearing and opportunity to comment. Prior to increasing a rate or changing a service or product, whether proposed by the cable system operator or by a municipality, a cable system operator shall:

A. Notify all affected customers of the proposed increase or change at least 120 days prior to the effective date of the proposed increase or change to allow customers to provide comments;

B. Hold a public hearing in accordance with this paragraph and any rules adopted by the commission.__ The public hearing must be held at a time and location convenient to the customers affected by the proposed increase or change, and notice of the hearing must be sent to all customers affected by the proposed increase or change at least 5 business days prior to the date of the hearing;

C. Within 10 days following the public hearing, respond in writing to all affected customers to any complaints, criticisms or proposals raised during the public hearing and explain any changes the operator will make as a result of the complaints, criticisms or proposals; and

D. After the hearing but no less than 90 days prior to the effective date of any increase or change, notify all affected customers of the final proposed increase or change.