BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2422
86R23954 JXC-D	By: Anderson, Charles "Doc" et al. (Perry)
	Business & Commerce
	5/13/2019
	Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

H.B. 2422 amends current law relating to the coordination of certain broadband projects by the Texas Department of Transportation.

 

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 Chapter 201, Transportation Code, by adding Subchapter H-1, as follows:

 

SUBCHAPTER H-1. COORDINATION OF BROADBAND INSTALLATION

 

Sec. 201.671. DEFINITIONS. Defines "broadband" and "broadband conduit" for purposes of this subchapter.

 

Sec. 201.672. DUTIES. (a) Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to encourage and coordinate efforts to plan, relocate, install, or improve broadband conduit in highway rights-of-way in conjunction with any current or planned highway construction.

 

(b) Requires TxDOT to develop a strategy to facilitate the timely and efficient deployment of broadband conduit or other broadband facilities on state-owned land and in state-owned buildings in areas where such a strategy is needed.

 

(c) Requires TxDOT to give special consideration to projects described by Subsection (a) or (b) that are likely to improve access to broadband by rural or underserved communities.

 

(d) Requires TxDOT, to the extent practicable, to assist political subdivisions in taking advantage of voluntary joint trenching opportunities.

 

(e) Provides that this section does not authorize TxDOT to require a conduit or facility in a right-of-way to be relocated at the conduit or facility owner�s expense.

 

Sec. 201.673. REPORT. Requires TxDOT, annually, to submit to the legislature a report that explains the actions taken by TxDOT in carrying out this subchapter, any gains in broadband speed or access associated with voluntary joint trenching opportunities, and any costs or cost savings to the state, private entities, or end users of broadband services associated with voluntary joint trenching opportunities.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019.