House Approves Broadcast Decency Bill

HOUSE APPROVES BROADCAST DECENCY BILL
February 16, 2005

Washington, DC.... Rep. Ralph Hall (R-Tx/4th) voted with an overwhelming majority in the House of Representatives today in support of a bill that will impose stiffer penalties on broadcast stations, networks and performers for indecency violations over the public airwaves.

"There have been too many incidents of indecency on television and radio in the past few years that have generated public outrage and parental concern," Hall said. "This bill is a step towards reining in such episodes by giving the Federal Communications Commission the authority to do so."

The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2005 gives the FCC authority to levy a fine of up to $500,000, depending on the nature and circumstances of the violation. The bill requires the FCC to consider whether inappropriate material has been aired during children's television programming in determining the fine to be imposed for violations of the decency laws. The bill also expresses a sense of the Congress that television broadcasters should reinstitute a family viewing policy.

"Congress must continue to be vigilant in overseeing enforcement of decency laws," Hall said. "I'm pleased that this bill was supported by a majority of Members on both sides of the political aisle, and I'm optimistic that it will be signed into law by the President this year."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx04_hall/021605.html