Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB4304

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the granting or renewal of certain easements on or leases of certain university land.

Impact

The implementation of HB 4304 will directly affect university land management, particularly in situations where new electric or telephone services are needed. By allowing these easements to be granted without the prerequisite application for federal financing, the bill intends to increase efficiency in the deployment of infrastructure improvements on university campuses. This could lead to enhanced operational capabilities for universities in providing necessary utilities, especially in areas where such services have been historically underserved.

Summary

House Bill 4304 addresses the granting and renewal of easements or leases regarding university land specifically for electric and telephone facilities. The bill allows the board of regents to grant or renew such easements without requiring the grantee or lessee to have applied for financing under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. This provision aims to simplify the processes through which universities can manage their land for essential utility services, facilitating better service provision in rural areas. The bill also specifies that the term of an easement cannot exceed a duration of 10 years, although renewals are permitted.

Contention

While specific details about contention surrounding the bill were not provided in the available documents, it is reasonable to infer that debates may arise regarding the balance of state versus local control of university land and the environmental implications of granting easements for utility services. There may be stakeholders who express concerns about potential overreach by the board of regents or the implications of facilitating infrastructure expansion without stringent regulatory oversight.

Notable_points

The financing provision highlights the state's effort to bolster rural electrification efforts while leveraging university resources to enhance local infrastructure. Additionally, the stipulated rental terms of no more than 2-1/2 cents per lineal rod per year for privilege fees are noteworthy as they underscore the intention to keep costs manageable for utility providers involved in expansions on university lands.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1758

Relating to the use of certain land by The University of Texas System.

TX HB4814

Relating to the use of certain land by The University of Texas System.

TX SJR69

Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating to the national research university fund a portion of certain income from the lease for oil and gas exploration of land dedicated to the permanent university fund.

TX HB3002

Relating to the authority of certain political subdivisions to issue certificates of obligation.

TX SB257

Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund.

TX HB1276

Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund.

TX SB1055

Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.

TX HB2639

Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.

TX SB847

Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds for certain capital projects at The University of Texas at El Paso.

TX HB4217

Relating to the powers of certain public utility agencies; granting the power of eminent domain.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.