Sec. 282.003.  AUTHORITY OF HOME-RULE MUNICIPALITY TO GRANT FRANCHISE.  (a)  The governing body of a home-rule municipality by ordinance may grant to a person a franchise to use or occupy the public grounds of the municipality.
(b)  The authority to grant a franchise to use or occupy the public grounds is the exclusive authority of the governing body, and the charter of the municipality may not grant the franchise.
(c)  A franchise under this section:
(1)  is subject to the same petition and election provisions that apply to a franchise under Subchapter D, Chapter 311, Transportation Code;  and
(2)  may not extend beyond the period set for its termination.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.