SB 827 Summary

• Amends 69 O.S. 2011, Section 1401 to expand the definition of "public utility" and "cable television systems" to include tribal-owned or -operated utilities with users within Oklahoma.

• Excludes from the definition entities that obtain public utility status through the Corporation Commission but whose end users are located outside Oklahoma.

• Maintains existing requirements that utilities obtain consent from the Department of Transportation or county commissioners before erecting poles, wires, conduits, and pipes in public rights-of-way and conform to National Electrical Safety Code standards.

• Preserves "prior rights" provisions for utilities with facilities on private easements later encompassed by public rights-of-way, with relocation expenses paid by the Department.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2015.