H.B. No. 144 introduces new requirements for electric cooperatives, utilities, and municipally owned utilities in Texas regarding the management and inspection of distribution poles. The bill amends the heading of Subchapter E, Chapter 38 of the Utilities Code, changing it from "Infrastructure Improvement and Maintenance Report" to "Infrastructure Improvement and Maintenance." It adds Section 38.103, which mandates that these entities submit a comprehensive plan to the Public Utility Commission of Texas detailing their strategies for managing and inspecting distribution poles. The plan must include objectives for public safety, roles and responsibilities, training processes, timelines for inspections, and methods for monitoring compliance.

Additionally, the bill requires these entities to provide annual updates to the commission by May 1, detailing their compliance with the plan's objectives, implementation costs, and inspection results. The commission is tasked with reviewing these plans and updates to ensure compliance. The bill stipulates that all entities must submit their initial plans by January 1, 2027, and allows the commission to set different submission dates for various classes of entities. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

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