Loading chat...
TX HB3131
Bill
Status
2/20/2025
Primary Sponsor
Salman Bhojani
Click for details
AI Summary
-
Requires the Public Utility Commission of Texas, in consultation with the Texas Broadband Development Office, to study how state and local pole attachment laws and regulations affect broadband service expansion
-
Study must evaluate average timeframes for pole attachment preparation and placement, including how long electric cooperatives take to approve requests from broadband providers and ways to decrease or standardize completion times
-
Study must assess effectiveness of regulations regarding timely relocation or removal of obsolete poles, poles violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, and poles obstructing municipal infrastructure
-
Study must examine the commission's current resources to educate broadband providers, electric cooperatives, and their affiliates about pole attachment installation rights
-
Initial report due to legislative committees by February 15, 2026; final report due by December 1, 2026; the act expires December 31, 2026 and takes effect September 1, 2025
Legislative Description
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.
Electronic Information Systems
Last Action
Referred to s/c on Telecommunications & Broadband by Speaker
3/20/2025