ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor

Ch. 2

(7) PENALTIES ASSESSED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION SHALL BE PAID
INTO THE GENERAL FUND OF THE STATE.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:

(1)     (i) In this section the following terms have the meanings indicated.

(ii) "Digital cable television box" means a device that acts as a
tuner for cable television programming and converts digital signals received from a
cable service provider to a signal usable by a television set.

(iii) "Digital television converter box" means a device that:

1. receives and decodes digital broadcast signals for display
by an analog television set; and

2. is not a digital cable television box.

(iv) "Set-top box" means a digital cable television box, wireless
television receiver, or digital television converter box.

(v) "Wireless television receiver" means a device that:

1. is used in conjunction with a dish antenna to receive
satellite or other wireless television programming; and

2. converts signals from a dish antenna for use by a
television set.

(2)     The Director of the Maryland Energy Administration shall:

(i) Monitor the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study
of standby energy consumption in set-top boxes and options for reduction of this
energy consumption;

(ii) Within available funds, after any further appropriate
consultation with the EPA so as not to duplicate effort, and after consultation with
representatives of the State cable telecommunications industry, the State satellite
broadcast industry, the State television broadcast industry, the State retail merchants,
the set-top box manufacturing industry, and State nonprofit advocates of energy
conservation and efficiency, assess the technological and policy options for the
reduction of standby energy consumption in set-top boxes sold and installed in
Maryland; and

(iii) In accordance with § 2-1246 of the State Government Article,
report to the General Assembly and the Governor by December 1, 2003, including all
available information from the EPA study of this issue.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That if, by action of the
General Assembly, the Maryland Energy Administration is unable to carry out its
responsibilities under this Act, the Governor shall reassign the obligation to carry out
these responsibilities to the Department of the Environment or any other appropriate
State agency.

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