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.