By Hawley                                             H.B. No. 2709
         77R7293 MTB-F                           
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to the use of an electric utility's power of condemnation
 1-3     to construct, operate, or maintain an electric transmission line.
 1-4           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-5           SECTION 1. Section 181.045, Utilities Code, is amended by
 1-6     adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:
 1-7           (e)  An electric utility may not use its power of
 1-8     condemnation under Section 181.004 to construct, operate, or
 1-9     maintain a line unless the electric utility:
1-10                 (1)  follows existing line rights-of-way;
1-11                 (2)  follows other existing rights-of-way, if it is not
1-12     feasible to follow existing line rights-of-way; or
1-13                 (3)  follows existing property lines to the extent
1-14     feasible, if it is not feasible to follow other existing
1-15     rights-of-way.
1-16           SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2001.