SRC-MWN S.B. 1661 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1661
By: Sibley
Business & Commerce
3/26/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, electric and telephone companies are directed by federal law
regarding the rates they can charge cable television and competitive local
telephone companies to use their utility poles. 
As proposed, S.B. 1661 grants the Public Utility Commission (PUC) authority
to resolve disputes by setting terms, conditions, and prices of such
contracts. S.B. 1661 also provides that the pricing methods used by PUC are
to be consistent with federal law. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 54.257, Utilities Code, to require the Public
Utility Commission of Texas (commission), if a telecommunications utility
or electric utility cannot reach a mutual understanding with another
telecommunications or electric utility on certain issues, to have the
authority to determine those issues. Provides that the commission has the
authority to adopt procedures necessary and appropriate to hear and resolve
complaints concerning rates, terms, and conditions consistent with the
compensation methodology of Section 224 of the Federal Telecommunications
Act of 1996 (47 U.S.C. Section 224). 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2001.