BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	C.S.H.B. 2422
86R32568 JXC-D	By: Anderson, Charles "Doc" et al. (Perry)
	Business & Commerce
	5/13/2019
	Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

C.S.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. COORDINATION. (a) Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to provide notice on TxDOT's Internet website of ongoing and planned highway construction projects for which TxDOT will provide voluntary joint trenching opportunities in the state's right-of-way for broadband providers. Authorizes a broadband provider to collaborate with TxDOT to deploy broadband conduit or other broadband facilities in those rights-of-way.

 

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

 

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

 

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 and identifies any costs or cost savings to the state and private entities associated with voluntary joint trenching opportunities.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019.