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z?d104:SN00652:@@@D at thomas.loc.gov Page 14 of 16 (measured diagonally) to be equipped with a feature designed to enable viewers to block • display of all programs with a common rating. Authorizes the FCC to allow apparatus manufacturers to comply with such requirement using alternative technology that meets certain standards of cost, effectiveness, and ease of use. (Sec. 552) Encourages broadcast television, cable, satellite, syndication, and other video programming distributors to establish a technology fund to encourage electronics equipment manufacturers to facilitate the development of technology which would empower parents to block programming deemed inappropriate for children and to encourage availability of such technology to low income parents. Subtitle C: Judicial Review - Provides for the expedited review of any civil action challenging the constitutionality of this title by a district court of three judges and by direct appeal to the Supreme Court. Title VI: Effect on Other Laws - Provides that any conduct or activity that was, before the enactment of this Act, subject to any restriction or obligation imposed by the AT&T Consent Decree, the GTE Consent Decree, or the McCaw Consent Decree shall, after enactment of this Act, be subject to the restrictions and obligations imposed by the Communications Act as amended by this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to modify, impair, or supersede: (1) the applicability of the antitrust laws; or(2) any State or local law pertaining to taxation, except with respect to fees for open video systems. Repeals a provision of the Communications Act . permitting the FCC to render a proposed merger of competing local telephone companies exempt from any Act of Congress making the transaction unlawful. (Sec. 602) Exempts any provider of direct-to-home satellite service from the collection or remittance of any local tax or fee on such service. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions -Prohibits a party calling a toll-free telephone number from being assessed a charge by virtue of being asked to connect or otherwise transfer to a pay-per-call service. Prohibits the calling party from being charged for information conveyed during a call to a toll-free (800) number unless the calling party: (1) has a written agreement specifying the material terms and conditions under which the information is offered and which includes the rate at which charges are assessed and certain identifying information; or (2) is charged for the information only after the information provider includes an introductory disclosure message regarding the charge, rate, and means of billing for the call and the calling party is charged by means of a credit, prepaid, debit, charge, or calling card. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) billing arrangements; (2) required use of a personal identification number by the subscriber to obtain access to the information provided; (3) exceptions to the written agreement requirement; and (4) termination of service if a telecommunications carrier reasonably determines that a complaint against an information provider is valid. Amends the Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act to authorize the FCC to extend the definition of"pay-per-call services" under such Act to other services that the FCC determines are susceptible to the unfair and deceptive billing practices addressed by such Act. • (Sec. 702) Makes it the duty of every telecommunications carrier to protect the confidentiality of proprietary information of other carriers, equipment manufacturers, and customers. Permits http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d104:SNO0652:@@@D 12/11/96