Sec. 253.0402. ABANDONED POLE ATTACHMENTS; REMOVAL. (a) A broadband provider that receives a written request from an electric cooperative to remove an abandoned pole attachment owned by the provider from a pole owned by the cooperative shall remove the attachment not later than the 60th day after the date the provider receives the request.

(b) Before the deadline under Subsection (a), a broadband provider may request, and an electric cooperative may grant, a reasonable extension of that deadline. A request for an extension under this subsection must be in writing.

(c) If a broadband provider does not remove a pole attachment by the deadline under Subsection (a) or an extended deadline under Subsection (b), the electric cooperative may remove, use, sell, or dispose of the pole attachment at the broadband provider's expense.

(d) An electric cooperative may require that a broadband provider post a security instrument in an amount reasonably sufficient to cover the potential cost to the electric cooperative of removal and disposal of abandoned pole attachments.

(e) A broadband provider shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless an electric cooperative and the cooperative's members, directors, officers, agents, and employees from and against all liability for the removal, use, sale, or disposal of abandoned pole attachments, except for personal injury or property damage arising from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of the electric cooperative during the removal and disposal process.

Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 659 (H.B. 1505), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2021.