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 SB1042

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

PA HB846

Further providing for definitions, for specifications, for prevailing wage and for duty of secretary.

PA HB500

In Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) Tax Credits, repealing provisions relating to local resource manufacturing, providing for Reliable Energy Investment Tax Credit, repealing provisions relating to Pennsylvania milk processing and providing 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 geothermal energy and for sustainable aviation fuel; and, in application of Prevailing Wage Act, further providing for definitions.

PA SB500

In Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) Tax Credits, repealing provisions re lating to local resource manufacturing, providing for Reliable Energy Investment Tax Credit, repealing provisions relating to Pennsylvania milk processing and providing 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 geothermal energy and for sustainable aviation fuel; and, in application of Prevailing Wage Act, further providing for definitions.

PA SB1271

In Center for Rural Pennsylvania, further providing for grants.

PA SF740

Grant award requirements modification for the border-to-border broadband development grant program

PA SF2889

Office of Broadband Development renamed the Office of Broadband Development and Digital Equity authorization; office duties and reporting requirements modification; state's broadband goals expansion; multifamily dwelling grant program establishment; definitions for the purpose of broadband development modification

PA SB1106

In Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) tax credits, further providing for definitions, for applicability and for expiration.

PA HF2279

Office of Broadband Development renamed to Office of Broadband Development and Digital Equity, duties and reporting requirements modified, state's broadband goals expanded, multifamily dwelling grant program established, and definitions amended.

PA HB2286

In Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program, further providing for definitions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.