S.B. No. 507
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to an accommodation process authorizing the use of state
  highway rights-of-way by broadband-only providers.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 250, Transportation Code, is amended by
  adding Section 250.002 to read as follows:
         Sec. 250.002.  RIGHT-OF-WAY ACCOMMODATION FOR
  BROADBAND-ONLY PROVIDERS. (a) In this section:
               (1)  "Broadband-only provider" means an entity that
  exclusively provides broadband service.
               (2)  "Broadband service" means Internet service with
  the capability of providing:
                     (A)  a download speed of 25 megabits per second or
  faster; and
                     (B)  an upload speed of three megabits per second
  or faster.
         (b)  The commission by rule shall:
               (1)  on a competitively and technologically neutral and
  nondiscriminatory basis with respect to other providers of
  broadband service, establish an accommodation process that
  authorizes broadband-only providers to use state highway
  rights-of-way, subject to highway purposes, for:
                     (A)  new broadband facility installations;
                     (B)  additions to or maintenance of existing
  broadband facility installations;
                     (C)  adjustments or relocations of broadband
  facilities; and
                     (D)  existing broadband facilities retained
  within the rights-of-way; and
               (2)  prescribe minimum requirements for the
  accommodation, method, materials, and location for the
  installation, adjustment, and maintenance of broadband facilities
  under the accommodation process.
         SECTION 2.  Not later than the first anniversary of the
  effective date of this Act, the Texas Transportation Commission
  shall adopt the rules required by Section 250.002, Transportation
  Code, as added by this Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
 
 
 
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 507 passed the Senate on
  March 31, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 507 passed the House on
  May 26, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 148, Nays 0, one
  present not voting.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
 
  Approved:
 
  ______________________________ 
              Date
 
 
  ______________________________ 
            Governor