Pennsylvania House Bill HB1620

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/15/23
• Refer: 8/15/23

Caption

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.