The 85th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature adjourned sine die on May 29, 2017. Just below we describe a number of bills of interest to TCCFUI, as well as their ultimate fate during the session.

 

TCCFUI -- Corrected Bill ListHB 931
House Bill 931 will help expand the state’s network of hike-and-bike trails, but at virtually no cost to political subdivisions for the underlying land. This is because the legislation responsibly waives some of the legal liability that utilities would otherwise face for allowing their land to be used for public recreational purposes. The legislation received the support of TCCFUI and other city groups. It was signed by the governor on June 15.

SB 735
Senate Bill 735 would require the Public Utility Commission to establish a schedule under which it periodically reviews the fairness of electric utility rates. It also includes other changes to rate-setting procedures that, taken collectively, would be something of a mixed bag for consumers. Gov. Greg Abbott signed SB 735 into law on May 27.

 

SB 1004
Senate Bill 1004, by state Sen. Kelly Hancock and state Rep. Charlie Geren, sets forth various guidelines for the deployment of antennas and other telecommunications equipment in municipal rights of way. This legislation has drawn fire from TCCFUI and other city groups. It was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 9.

 

SB 1976
Senate Bill 1976 would ensure the continuation of a process whereby the Public Utility Commission identifies low-income electric and telecommunications ratepayers. This is important because such customers are eligible for various customer protection benefits. Gov. Greg Abbott signed this bill into law on May 19.

 

HB 1427
House Bill 1427, by Rep. Pat Fallon, would have clarified the proposition that a city’s zoning authority extends over electric cooperatives just as it would for any other business operating within city limits. This legislation, which received support from TCCFUI, was adopted by the House Urban Affairs Committee, but then stalled and died.

 

HB 1818
House Bill 1818, by state Rep. Larry Gonzales, is the Railroad Commission “Sunset” bill. That is, the bill authorizes the continuation of the agency for several more years, and also spells out various adjustments to the agency’s operations. However, House Bill 1818 does not include several recommended reforms — such as the use of independent administrative law judges for the adjudication of gas utility cases — that were included in versions of this bill during previous legislative sessions. HB 1818 was adopted by both the Texas House and Texas Senate and signed by the governor.

 

— R.A. Dyer