Paddie Files Legislation Linked to Lake O’The Pines Tragedy

AUSTIN — State Representative Chris Paddie of Marshall has filed legislation linked to a fatal accident in August 2017. Three Boy Scouts were killed on Lake O’ The Pines when their boat’s mast came in contact with a 12,000-volt power line. According to our news partner KETK, electric utilities in Texas are currently not required to establish regular maintenance programs or carry out routine inspections of power lines and poles. In addition, the Public Utility Commission does not require utility companies or cooperatives to provide reports on accidents involving power lines. Paddie’s bill addresses both issues and some other requirements. Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative, the power source in the area of the accident, recently announced that the power lines responsible for it have been buried in an underground tunnel.