Bills › 89th General Assembly
Relating to public utility access to public road rights-of-way
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 14, 2022
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 24, 2022
- Done: House committeeFebruary 3, 2022
- Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 2296
- Next: Senate committee
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Became HF 2296 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2296 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Government agencies that manage roads cannot force utility companies to use the agency's own pipes or conduits just to get access to a public road. Instead, these agencies must allow utility companies to use their pipes for broadband projects as long as the access is fair to everyone. This change clarifies the rules for companies building internet infrastructure.1
Read the official explanation
This bill prohibits a governmental body which exercises jurisdiction over roadways (agency) from requiring a public utility to place utility facilities within an agency-owned conduit as a condition of accessing a public road. An agency in control of a road must provide nondiscriminatory access to the road and nondiscriminatory access to an agency-owned conduit for projects related to broadband infrastructure. Current law is silent as to whether an agency can require a public utility to use an agency’s conduit as a condition of accessing a public road.
Changed since by amendment H-8031; see Amendments.
House subcommittee
Named January 24, 2022. On January 26, 2022 it recommended passage. Vote Total: 2-0.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
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