1. (a) The governing body of a municipality or, for an unincorporated area, the commissioners court of the county, shall on its own motion or on application of at least 100 residents:

   1. (1) hear evidence as the governing body or commissioners court considers necessary; and

   2. (2) determine whether a connection between different lines or other arrangements for transfer of messages is:

      1. (A) necessary for public convenience; and
      2. (B) just to the telegraph companies.

2. (b) After conducting a hearing and making the determinations required by Subsection (a), the governing body or commissioners court shall issue an order that:

   1. (1) includes the findings of the governing body or commissioners court;
   2. (2) specifies the conditions under which the arrangements for transfer of messages will be made; and
   3. (3) specifies the proportion of expense to be paid by the owner or operator of each line.

Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.