In alternative form of regulation of telecommunications services, providing for compensation to volunteer fire companies for equipment or infrastructure failures.
Impact
The enactment of HB1620 could significantly alter the responsibilities of telecommunications companies in Pennsylvania by imposing financial liabilities when operational failures lead to emergency responses. This bill intends to ensure prompt action from telecom companies in addressing infrastructure issues, simultaneously recognizing the critical role that volunteer fire services play in public safety. It aims to provide a financial incentive for improved service reliability and rapid response to equipment malfunctions that may impact community safety.
Summary
House Bill 1620 introduces amendments to Title 66 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, focusing on the regulation of telecommunications services. The bill specifically mandates that local exchange telecommunications companies must provide compensation to volunteer fire companies when equipment or infrastructure failures necessitate the deployment of volunteer firefighters to respond to such incidents. This compensation is set at $1,000 per hour for each hour a firefighter is deployed, contingent upon the telecommunications company's failure to respond to the site of the failure within 90 minutes of being notified.
Sentiment
General sentiment around the bill seems to be positive, particularly among proponents of volunteer emergency services who recognize the financial support as crucial for their operations. By formalizing compensation for volunteer fire companies, the bill has received support from those advocating for community safety and emergency response resources. However, there may be concerns regarding the financial impact on telecommunications providers, who might view this legislation as an additional regulatory burden.
Contention
While the bill is largely positioned as supportive of volunteer fire services, there are potential points of contention regarding its implications for telecommunications companies, especially in terms of operational costs and compliance. Critics may argue that financial penalties could strain smaller companies or disrupt service pricing structures. The debate may center on balancing the need for public safety with the practicalities of infrastructure management and the financial viability of local telecom providers.
In alternative form of regulation of telecommunications services, providing for compensation to volunteer fire companies for equipment or infrastructure failures.
In alternative form of regulation of telecommunications services, providing for compensation to customers for failure to appear at scheduled repair or maintenance appointments.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for definitions relating to intrastate mutual aid and for definitions relating to Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program; in volunteer firefighters, further providing for definitions relating to fire relief association; in emergency responder mental wellness and stress management, further providing for definitions; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions; and, in incentives for municipal volunteers of fire companies and nonprofit emergency medical services agencies, further providing for definitions.
In alternative form of regulation of telecommunications services, further providing for network modernization plans and for additional powers and duties of commission.
In Commonwealth services, providing for protection against PFAS chemicals and for firefighting protective equipment; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services
In grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, establishing the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program in the Office of State Fire Commissioner and the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Fund.
In alternative form of regulation of telecommunications services, further providing for network modernization plans and for additional powers and duties of commission.