By: Nichols S.B. No. 349
(Creighton)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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.