The bill, H.B. No. 4272, amends the Utilities Code to allow municipalities in Texas to require certificated telecommunications utilities and holders of state-issued certificates of franchise authority to relocate their facilities within municipal public rights-of-way. The relocation will be at the municipality's expense, funded through collected right-of-way fees as outlined in Section 283.051 of the Local Government Code. The bill specifies that municipalities must provide at least 30 days' notice before the required relocation and must specify the new location for the facilities along the right-of-way.

Key changes include the insertion of provisions that clarify the municipality's authority to mandate relocations and the associated expenses, as well as the requirement for advance notice and specification of new locations. The bill aims to facilitate municipal projects such as street widening or straightening by streamlining the process for relocating utility facilities. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Utilities Code 54.203, Utilities Code 66.011 (Utilities Code 66, Utilities Code 54)