S.B. No. 349
AN ACT
relating to standards for power lines.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 181.041, Utilities Code, is amended by
adding Subdivisions (3) and (4) to read as follows:
(3) "Distribution line" means a power line operated
below 60,000 volts when measured phase to phase.
(4) "Transmission line" means a power line operated at
60,000 volts or more when measured phase to phase.
SECTION 2. Subsection (a), Section 181.045, Utilities Code,
is amended to read as follows:
(a) A municipal electric utility shall construct, operate,
and maintain its transmission lines and distribution lines [for the
transmission and distribution of electric energy] along highways
and at other places in accordance with the national electrical
safety code. With regard to clearances, an electric utility that is
not a municipal electric utility shall construct, operate, and
maintain its transmission lines and distribution lines [for the
transmission and distribution of electric energy] along highways
and at other places in accordance with the national electrical
safety code.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2013.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 349 passed the Senate on
March 13, 2013, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 349 passed the House on
May 2, 2013, by the following vote: Yeas 147, Nays 0, two present
not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor