Bill > HB4055

This bill amends the Texas Natural Resources Code to add a new categorical exclusion for certain fiber-optic cable projects on public land. Specifically, the bill exempts the installation, maintenance, operation, replacement, or minor modification of buried fiber-optic cables located in the right-of-way of an existing road from requiring archaeological site notification requirements. This means that telecommunications companies can more easily and quickly deploy fiber-optic infrastructure along existing roadways without having to go through a potentially time-consuming archaeological review process. The bill is part of a broader list of activities that are considered to have minimal potential to damage archaeological sites and thus are automatically excluded from notification requirements. The legislation would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, or otherwise on September 1, 2025. This change is intended to streamline infrastructure development and reduce bureaucratic barriers to expanding telecommunications networks in Texas.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4055