Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1292

Introduced
4/23/25  

Caption

In Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, further providing for grant applications and process.

Impact

The implications of HB 1292 are significant as they aim to enhance wage fairness and accountability within broadband development projects funded by the state. By formalizing the requirements for grant-funded projects to align with prevailing wage laws, the bill seeks to ensure that workers receive appropriate compensation. This is expected to positively impact the labor market for telecommunications, helping to attract qualified workers and support economic development in the broadband sector, which is vital for modern connectivity in Pennsylvania.

Summary

House Bill 1292 aims to amend Title 64 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority by outlining requirements related to grant applications and processes. A significant aspect of this bill is its emphasis on ensuring that projects funded by grants comply with the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act. By mandating this compliance, the bill seeks to uphold wage standards for laborers working on broadband service infrastructure projects, which is critical given the ongoing discussions about equitable pay in the broadband sector.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1292 seems to be generally supportive among legislators and advocacy groups that prioritize worker rights and fair compensation. There is a recognition of the importance of providing decent wages in sectors that are crucial to infrastructure development. However, some contention may arise around the administrative aspects of implementing these requirements and the potential for increased project costs, which could create debates regarding budget allocations for broadband improvements.

Contention

One notable point of contention may stem from the process of creating additional labor classifications for high-speed broadband service infrastructure projects as mandated by the bill. The need for the Department of Labor and Industry to review wage determinations and conduct labor market surveys introduces regulatory responsibilities that could be seen as burdensome by some stakeholders. Additionally, while the intent to uphold standards is clear, there could be concerns from budgetary perspectives about whether these wage requirements may deter smaller companies from engaging in state-funded broadband projects.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB129

In Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, further providing for definitions and for specific powers and duties.

PA HB2565

In Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) Tax Credits, repealing provisions relating to local resource manufacturing and for Pennsylvania Milk Processing and providing for Reliable Energy Investment Tax Credit and for Pennsylvania Milk Processing; in Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, further providing for definitions, for eligibility, for application and approval of tax credit, for use of tax credits and for applicability; in semiconductor manufacturing and biomedical manufacturing and research, further providing for definitions and for application and approval of tax credit and providing for sustainable aviation fuel; and, in application of Prevailing Wage Act, further providing for definitions.

PA HB225

In Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, further providing for certification of economic development organizations and providing for annual report.

PA HB2402

In Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) tax credits, further providing for definitions and for application and approval of tax credit, providing for sustainable aviation fuel and further providing for definitions.

PA SB1150

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and providing for Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program; providing for institutions of higher education, for Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program and for intercollegiate athletics; in ready-to-succeed scholarship, further providing for agency; and making a repeal.

PA HB157

In Pennsylvania PreferredĀ® Trademark, further providing for definitions, for Pennsylvania PreferredĀ® trademark, for licensee qualification, for duties and authority of department, for trademark license agreement, application and licensure process, for costs, for Pennsylvania PreferredĀ® Trademark Licensing Fund, for injunctive relief, for rules and regulations and for purpose, repealing provisions relating to definitions and further providing for qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities.

PA SB957

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in procurement organization, further providing for specific construction powers, duties and procedures; in procurement of construction and design professional services, further providing for procurement of design professional services; providing for project delivery methods; and making a repeal.

PA SB832

In Energy Development Authority and emergency powers, further providing for definitions and for Energy Development Authority; providing for Energy Development and Electric Generation Permit Review Program, for Accelerated Energy Development and Electric Generation Permit Review Program and for Pennsylvania Opportunities with Energy Reliability Authority Regulatory Waiver Program; and making editorial changes.

PA SB502

In municipal authorities, further providing for definitions, providing for public safety authorities and further providing for purposes and powers.

PA SB501

In municipal authorities, further providing for definitions, providing for public safety authorities and further providing for purposes and powers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.