81R10481 TRH-D By: Pierson H.B. No. 2216 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the regulation of the maintenance of telephone and electric utility poles. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 17, Utilities Code, is amended by adding Section 17.010 to read as follows: Sec. 17.010. MAINTENANCE OF UTILITY POLES. (a) The commission by rule shall ensure that electric and telecommunications utilities maintain telephone and electric utility poles so that they stand at an angle that varies no more than 30 percent from a line that is perpendicular to the ground. (b) A municipality or county by ordinance or order may ensure that electric and telecommunications utilities maintain telephone and electric utility poles so that they stand at an angle that varies no more than 30 percent from a line that is perpendicular to the ground. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.