By: Minjarez H.B. No. 4052
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating allowable utility charges by a county
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 33.007, Utilities Code, is amended as
follows:
Sec. 33.007. ALLOWABLE CHARGES. (a) A municipality that
performs a regulatory function under this title may make each
charge that is authorized by:
(1) this title; or
(2) the applicable franchise agreement.
(b) A county that provides use of easement or right of way
under this title shall make a charge to be paid by the electric
utility for such use. The charge shall be authorized by an
applicable interlocal agreement between the county and electric
utility. The county may withhold easement or right of way access
until such an interlocal agreement is approved by both parties.
SECTION 2. Section 103.0021, Utilities Code, is added as
follows:
Sec. 103.0021. COUNTY CHARGES. (a) A county that provides
use of easement or right of way shall make a charge to be paid by the
gas utility for such use. The charge shall be authorized by an
applicable interlocal agreement between the county and gas utility.
The county may withhold easement or right of way access until such
an interlocal agreement is approved by both parties.
SECTION 3. The changes in the law made by this Act apply
only to payments made after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.