Texas House Bill HB1466

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to repairs to be completed by telecommunications utility providers during a state declared disaster.

Impact

If enacted, HB1466 would empower the Texas Commission to impose penalties on telecommunications providers that fail to meet repair and service restoration timelines. The bill mandates these providers to complete repairs within ten working days for counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer, with possible extensions contingent on customer notice. This regulatory oversight aims to protect consumers from prolonged service outages and to ensure swift action during public emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 1466 proposes amendments to the Texas Utilities Code regarding the responsibilities of telecommunications utility providers during state-declared disasters. The bill aims to enhance the responsiveness and accountability of these providers when restoring services following such emergencies. Specifically, it establishes clear guidelines for investigating complaints related to service maintenance and restoration efforts during disasters, ensuring that oversight is managed by the Texas Commission in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.

Contention

There may arise points of contention around the definitions of 'reasonable time' for repair and the appropriateness of penalties. Proponents of the bill might argue that such regulations are essential to enhance service reliability, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Conversely, opponents could raise concerns about the potential financial burden on smaller telecommunications providers and the realistic feasibility of adhering to the mandated timelines during large-scale disasters.