86R4653 GRM-F
By: Nichols S.B. No. 14
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to use of an electric cooperative's easements or property
for broadband service.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 181, Utilities Code, is
amended by adding Section 181.048 to read as follows:
Sec. 181.048. ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE BROADBAND FACILITIES.
(a) In this section, "broadband service" means Internet service
with:
(1) a download speed of 25 megabits per second or
faster; and
(2) an upload speed of three megabits per second or
faster.
(b) An electric cooperative organized under Chapter 161 or
an electric cooperative affiliate may construct, operate, and
maintain cables and other facilities for providing broadband
service over, under, across, on, or along real property, personal
property, rights-of-way, and easements owned, held, or used by the
cooperative. An easement or other property right owned, held, or
used by the electric cooperative to provide electricity or other
services may also be used to provide broadband service.
SECTION 2. 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, 2019.