H.B. No. 4055 amends the Natural Resources Code to exempt certain fiber-optic cable projects from specific notice requirements when conducted on state or local public land. The bill introduces new categorical exclusions, specifically allowing for the installation, maintenance, operation, replacement, or minor modification of buried fiber-optic cables located in the right-of-way of existing roads. Additionally, it includes a provision that any project for which a state permit application has been made prior to the promulgation of rules under this section will also be exempt from these notice requirements.

The bill also makes a deletion regarding the previous language that included "and" at the end of a list of exclusions, streamlining the legal text. The changes aim to facilitate the development of fiber-optic infrastructure while maintaining protections for archeological sites by ensuring that projects with minimal impact are not burdened by excessive notification requirements. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Natural Resources Code 191.0525 (Natural Resources Code 191)