More than 50 Texas cities are fighting the state over a new state law that changed the way cities can bill telecommunications companies for right-of-way usage. State law previously allowed cities to bill companies twice if the same right of way was used for both phone and cable TV wiring. The new law, which was passed last year and took effect January 1st, allows the cities to charge only the higher of the two bills. City officials say that will cost cities millions of dollars and benefit the companies unfairly. Representatives from cities including Austin and San Marcos asked a state judge on Wednesday to block the law.
Photo: Getty Images