bill ordering a study of pole attachments and broadband

The text as introduced · 403 words

89R6198 ANG-D

By: Bhojani
H.B. No. 3131

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:

SECTION 1. (a) In this section:

(1) "Commission" means the Public Utility Commission

of Texas.

(2) "Electric cooperative" has the meaning assigned by

Section 181.048, Utilities Code.

(3) "Pole" has the meaning assigned by Section

252.001, Utilities Code.

(4) "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) The 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) the average time for the preparation and placement

of a pole attachment, including:

(A) the 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) ways to decrease or standardize the time it

takes for the completion of a new pole attachment;

(2) the effectiveness of laws, rules, or regulations

regarding the timely relocation or removal of:

(A) poles that are functionally obsolete;

(B) poles that violate the Americans with

Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.); and

(C) poles that obstruct current or future

municipal infrastructure; and

(3) the commission's current resources to educate

broadband providers, electric cooperatives, and electric

cooperative affiliates regarding the right to install a pole

attachment.

(c) Not 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) Not 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) This Act expires December 31, 2026.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.