S.B. No. 1251 aims to enhance access for certificated telecommunications providers to the rights-of-way and poles owned by electric cooperatives in Texas. The bill introduces Chapter 254 to the Utilities Code, which defines key terms such as "certificated telecommunications provider," "pole," and "pole attachment." It mandates that electric cooperatives provide nondiscriminatory access to these providers regarding the placement of facilities, pole attachment rates, and access to related buildings. Additionally, it restricts electric cooperatives from charging pole attachment rates that exceed agreed contractual rates or those permissible under federal regulations.

The bill also empowers the Public Utility Commission of Texas to open contested case proceedings to ensure compliance with the established pole attachment rates and to enforce the provisions of this chapter. It allows the Commission to adopt necessary rules for enforcement and clarifies that references to a person in Chapter 15 include electric cooperatives. This legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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