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Bill

SB 1363

An Act providing for public utility credit reporting; and imposing duties on public utilities.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jay Costa and 10 co-sponsors

Expands municipal authorities’ powers and refines regulation to accelerate modern broadband deployment and network modernization in Pennsylvania.

Referred to Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1363

Summary of SB 1363 (2021-2022 Regular Session) — Pennsylvania

  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Primary purpose: Amends Titles 53 (Municipalities Generally) and 66 (Public Utilities) to expand authorities and oversight relating to municipal authorities and the regulation/delivery of telecommunications services, with a focus on advancing broadband deployment and modernization.

1) Main purpose and intent

  • The bill is framed to provide “More Tools to Achieve Fast and Affordable Broadband for All Pennsylvanians.” It seeks to enhance the capacity of municipalities, municipal authorities, and the public utility framework to plan, regulate, and finance network modernization, including alternative forms of regulation for telecommunications services.

2) Key provisions and changes

  • Municipal authorities (Title 53)

    • Expands purposes and powers of municipal authorities to facilitate broadband and related services. While text specifics are not fully enumerated in the summary, the intent is to broaden authority to support scalable, modern infrastructure projects and utility-like services at the municipal level.

  • Alternative form of regulation of telecommunications services (Title 66)

    • Adds or refines definitions pertinent to telecommunications regulation.
    • Adds or clarifies provisions related to network modernization plans. This includes requirements, processes, or authorities for planning and implementing upgrades to telecommunications networks (e.g., fiber, broadband networks) within the Commonwealth.
    • Grants or delineates additional powers and duties for entities regulating or administering telecom services, potentially including mechanisms to accelerate deployment, cost recovery, or incentives to private partners.

3) Who/what would be affected

  • Municipalities and municipal authorities

    • Potentially broader authority to own, operate, finance, or partner on broadband and related infrastructure projects.
    • Enhanced ability to pursue projects that improve network access, reliability, and coverage.

  • Public utilities and telecom regulators

    • New or clarified definitions and regulatory tools related to telecommunications services.
    • New or updated requirements for network modernization planning, possibly affecting timelines, cost recovery, and oversight.

  • Consumers and ratepayers

    • Indirect impact through potential faster deployment of broadband, improved service options, and possibly more predictable pricing mechanisms tied to modernization efforts.

4) Procedural/timeline aspects

  • Status and process (as of latest record)

    • Referred to Communications & Technology in the 2021-2022 session. In the 2026 update to the bill’s status, it shows action in a different chamber: referred to Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure (June 5, 2026). This indicates cross-chamber referral and potential reintroduction/revision after initial consideration.

  • Co-sponsors and support

    • Sponsors include a broad slate of Senate Democrats and several notable names across districts, signaling cross-party interest in broadband expansion. Notable co-sponsors include Judy Schwank, Nikil Saval, Elder Vogel, Sharif Street, Patty Kim, John Kane, Nick Pisciottano, Art Haywood, Jay Costa, Tina Tartaglione, and Tim Kearney.

  • Effective dates and implementation

    • Specific implementation timelines, funding sources, and regulatory procedures would be defined in the enacted text or accompanying fiscal notes. The bill’s intent suggests phased deployment capabilities, potentially leveraging municipal bonds, state/federal matching funds, or streamlined regulatory approvals.

5) Potential implications and considerations

  • Positive impacts:

    • Accelerated broadband deployment in underserved or rural areas through municipal and network modernization tools.
    • Expanded local control over infrastructure projects and potential reductions in deployment timelines.
    • Enhanced coordination between municipalities, utilities, and private providers.

  • Potential concerns or challenges:

    • Financing mechanisms and rate impacts on customers if costs are shifted to ratepayers or captured through public/authority finance.
    • Regulatory balance between public authority activity and private sector competition.
    • Need for clear oversight to prevent duplication of services and ensure net public benefit.

If you’d like, I can tailor this into a one-page briefing for policymakers or a side-by-side comparison with current law to highlight specific changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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