HB 2638
An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in alternative form of regulation of telecommunications services, providing for telecommunications line repair and tree limb removal.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill updates Pennsylvania’s laws regarding telecommunications services by establishing a clear responsibility for telecommunications carriers to address damage to their lines caused by tree limbs. If a municipality or state agency notifies a carrier of a damaged line interfering with traffic, the carrier must promptly remove the offending limb or repair the line. The bill also outlines how costs associated with these repairs won’t be passed on to customers who aren’t affected by the specific infrastructure issue.
Key provisions
- Telecommunications carriers must respond to notices of damaged lines.
- Carriers must either remove tree limbs or repair damaged lines.
- Cost recovery from customers is limited to those directly affected by the issue.
- Violations of the law can result in penalties under existing state regulations.
- The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will create regulations to implement the law.
Who is affected
- Telecommunications Carriers
- Municipalities
- Commonwealth Agencies
- Customers of Telecommunications Services
- Pedestrians and Vehicle Operators
Notable changes
- Establishes a specific duty for telecommunications carriers to address line damage.
- Limits cost recovery to those directly impacted by infrastructure issues.
- Requires the PUC to develop regulations for enforcement.
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Cosponsors
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