Texas HB 3131: Relating to a study by the Public Utility Commission of Texas of the effects that current laws, rules, and regulations of this state and its political subdivisions regarding pole attachments have on the expansion of broadband service.

Bill Text

By:AABhojani H.B.ANo.A3131
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study by the Public Utility Commission of Texas of the
effects that current laws, rules, and regulations of this state and
its political subdivisions regarding pole attachments have on the
expansion of broadband service.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTIONA1.AA(a) In this section:
(1)AA"Commission" means the Public Utility Commission
of Texas.
(2)AA"Electric cooperative" has the meaning assigned by
Section 181.048, Utilities Code.
(3)AA"Pole" has the meaning assigned by Section
252.001, Utilities Code.
(4)AA"Pole attachment" means an affixture of cables,
strands, wires, and associated equipment attached to a pole
directly or indirectly for the provision of broadband service.
(b)AAThe commission, in consultation with the Texas
Broadband Development Office, shall conduct a study of current
laws, rules, and regulations of this state and its political
subdivisions related to pole attachments to determine the effects
those laws, rules, and regulations have on broadband service
expansion. The study must include an evaluation of:
(1)AAthe average time for the preparation and placement
of a pole attachment, including:
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(A)AAthe time it takes for an electric cooperative
or an electric cooperative’s affiliate to approve a new pole
attachment requested by a broadband provider; and
(B)AAways to decrease or standardize the time it
takes for the completion of a new pole attachment;
(2)AAthe effectiveness of laws, rules, or regulations
regarding the timely relocation or removal of:
(A)AApoles that are functionally obsolete;
(B)AApoles that violate the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.); and
(C)AApoles that obstruct current or future
municipal infrastructure; and
(3)AAthe commission’s current resources to educate
broadband providers, electric cooperatives, and electric
cooperative affiliates regarding the right to install a pole
attachment.
(c)AANot later than February 15, 2026, the commission shall
submit an initial report regarding the results of the study
conducted under Subsection (b) of this section to each legislative
standing committee with jurisdiction over issues regarding
broadband services.
(d)AANot later than December 1, 2026, the commission shall
submit a final report regarding the results of the study conducted
under Subsection (b) of this section to each legislative standing
committee with jurisdiction over issues regarding broadband
services.
(e)AAThis Act expires December 31, 2026.
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H.B.ANo.A3131
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SECTIONA2.AAThis Act takes effect September 1, 2025.1
H.B.ANo.A3131
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