86R12616 JXC-D
By: Anderson H.B. No. 2422
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the coordination of certain broadband projects by the
Public Utility Commission of Texas.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle A, Title 2, Utilities Code, is amended
by adding Chapter 19 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 19. COORDINATION OF BROADBAND INSTALLATION
Sec. 19.0101. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Broadband" means a mass-market retail service by
wire or radio that provides the capability to transmit data to and
receive data from all or substantially all Internet endpoints,
including capabilities that are incidental to and enable the
operation of the service. The term includes a service that is
functionally equivalent to the service described by this
subdivision.
(2) "Broadband conduit" means a conduit, pipe,
innerduct, or microduct for fiber optic or other cables that
supports broadband and wireless facilities for broadband.
Sec. 19.0102. DUTIES. (a) In collaboration with the Texas
Department of Transportation and private entities, the commission
shall encourage and coordinate efforts to plan, relocate, install,
or improve broadband conduit in highway rights-of-way in
conjunction with any current or planned highway construction. To
the extent necessary, in collaboration with the Texas Department of
Transportation the commission shall:
(1) evaluate engineering and design standards,
procedures and criteria for contracts or lease agreements, and
pricing requirements; and
(2) provide for allocation of risk, costs, and any
revenue generated.
(b) In collaboration with any other state agency the
commission considers necessary, the commission shall develop a
strategy to facilitate the timely and efficient deployment of
broadband conduit or other broadband facilities on state-owned land
and in state-owned buildings.
(c) The commission shall give special consideration to
projects described by Subsection (a) or (b) that are likely to
improve access to broadband by rural or underserved communities.
(d) To the extent practicable, the commission shall assist
political subdivisions in adopting and implementing projects
similar to those in Subsections (a) and (b) for the construction or
improvement of roads under the jurisdiction of political
subdivisions and for broadband deployment on land or in buildings
owned by political subdivisions.
Sec. 19.0103. REPORT. Annually, the commission shall
submit to the legislature a report that explains the actions taken
by the commission in carrying out this chapter, the number of
current and planned projects receiving assistance from the
commission, any gains in broadband speed or access associated with
the projects, and any costs or cost savings to the state, private
entities, or end users of broadband services associated with the
projects.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.