H.B. No. 3445 amends the Utilities Code to enhance access for certificated telecommunications providers to the rights-of-way and pole charges of electric cooperatives. The bill prohibits municipalities and electric cooperatives from discriminating against these providers in various aspects, including the authorization or placement of facilities in public or electric cooperative rights-of-way, access to buildings, and pole attachment rates. It establishes that any pole attachment or underground conduit rates charged must not exceed certain limits, such as existing contract rates, mutually agreed rates, or rates that would be permissible under federal regulations.

Additionally, the bill mandates that by September 1, 2006, municipalities and municipally owned utilities must implement a single, uniform pole attachment or underground conduit rate for all non-affiliated entities, regardless of the services provided. The bill also clarifies that the commission has the jurisdiction to enforce these provisions. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()