[Editor's note: This is an excerpt from the article.]

The Senate gave final legislative approval to a change in the way cable television providers win franchise rights in Louisiana.

The bill by Sen. Ann Duplessis, D-New Orleans, would take power over those rights away from local governments and give them to the state, with the exception of the state's largest cities: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport and others, and parishes such as Jefferson and East Baton Rouge.

The industry said the change would streamline the franchising process and encourage more companies to begin offering TV service. Their lobbyists contended it would help improve service, boost competition and lower consumer costs.

The measure has advanced steadily through the Legislature despite opposition from local governments and lawmakers skeptical that the change would help consumers.

Gov. Kathleen Blanco vetoed a similar bill in 2006. Gov. Bobby Jindal has taken no position on Duplessis' bill (Senate Bill 807), which heads to his desk.