87R5836 CXP-D
 
  By: Nichols S.B. No. 507
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to an accommodation process authorizing the use of state
  highway rights-of-way by broadband-only providers.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 250, Transportation Code, is amended by
  adding Section 250.002 to read as follows:
         Sec. 250.002.  RIGHT-OF-WAY ACCOMMODATION FOR
  BROADBAND-ONLY PROVIDERS. (a) In this section, "broadband-only
  provider" means an entity that exclusively provides broadband
  service, as defined by Section 181.048, Utilities Code.
         (b)  The commission by rule shall:
               (1)  establish an accommodation process that
  authorizes broadband-only providers to use state highway
  rights-of-way, subject to highway purposes, for:
                     (A)  new broadband facility installations;
                     (B)  additions to or maintenance of existing
  broadband facility installations;
                     (C)  adjustments or relocations of broadband
  facilities; and
                     (D)  existing broadband facilities retained
  within the rights-of-way; and
               (2)  prescribe minimum requirements for the
  accommodation, method, materials, and location for the
  installation, adjustment, and maintenance of broadband facilities
  under the accommodation process.
         SECTION 2.  Not later than the first anniversary of the
  effective date of this Act, the Texas Transportation Commission
  shall adopt the rules required by Section 250.002, Transportation
  Code, as added by this Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2021.