WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2535

An Act providing for the public safety regulation of large load users; requiring the submission of emergency operations plans and generalized infrastructure inventories as a condition of occupancy; protecting confidential security information; and providing for enforcement and penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 16 co-sponsors

The bill requires large load facilities to submit emergency operations plans and generalized infrastructure inventories as a condition of occupancy, with penalties for noncomplianc

Re-committed to Rules
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2535

Overview

HB 2535 (2025-2026, Pennsylvania) establishes a public safety framework for regulating “large load users.” It requires certain facilities to submit emergency operations plans and generalized infrastructure inventories as a condition of occupancy, while protecting confidential security information. The bill outlines enforcement mechanisms and penalties for noncompliance and defines the scope of affected entities, timelines, and reporting requirements.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a structured public safety regime for facilities that handle or utilize very large loads (the bill’s precise definition of “large load user” is expected to be specified in the text).
  • Improve emergency preparedness and rapid response capabilities by mandating formalized plans and inventories.
  • Protect security-sensitive information from disclosure while ensuring relevant authorities have access to necessary data for safety and regulatory oversight.
  • Provide a clear enforcement pathway with penalties to ensure compliance.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs)
    • Large load facilities must develop and submit comprehensive emergency operations plans.
    • Plans are intended to guide response to incidents, including evacuation, mutual aid, and coordination with public safety agencies.
  • Generalized Infrastructure Inventories
    • Facilities must provide generalized inventories of critical infrastructure components (e.g., primary electrical feeders, gas, water, communications intercepts) relevant to safety and operations.
    • Inventories are likely designed to be non-sensitive or aggregated to protect security while still enabling risk assessment.
  • Condition of Occupancy
    • Submission of EOPs and inventories is required as a condition of occupancy, tying compliance to the right to operate or occupy the facility.
  • Confidentiality and Security
    • The bill includes provisions to protect confidential security information, limiting public release and controlling who can access sensitive data.
    • Mechanisms for redacting or withholding information in public records are anticipated.
  • Enforcement and Penalties
    • Establishes penalties for noncompliance, potentially including fines, remediation orders, or other regulatory actions.
    • Sets procedures for enforcement actions, inspections, and potential grace periods or remedies.
  • Scope and Applicability
    • Specifies which entities or facilities qualify as large load users (e.g., by size, throughput, or risk profile).
    • Addresses exemptions or special cases, if any (e.g., existing facilities under other regulatory regimes).
  • Timelines
    • Dates by which EOPs and inventories must be submitted.
    • Potential phased-in timelines for different categories of facilities.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Facilities identified as large load users under the bill’s definitions.
  • Facility operators, owners, and occupiers seeking to lawfully occupy or operate the premises.
  • Local and state public safety agencies responsible for emergency response coordination and oversight.
  • Security-conscious data custodians within facilities tasked with handling sensitive infrastructure information.
  • Public bodies and possibly the general public to the extent information or summaries are releasable (subject to confidentiality protections).

Potential Impact

  • Enhanced preparedness and coordinated response to emergencies at high-risk facilities.
  • Improved situational awareness for first responders and regulators through standardized EOPs and inventories.
  • Increased compliance burden for affected facilities, including documentation, plan maintenance, and regular updates.
  • Balancing public safety with security concerns by shielding sensitive information from public disclosure while ensuring access for authorized entities.
  • Possible costs associated with plan development, staff training, drills, and data management.

Timeline and Procedural Notes

  • The bill designates occupancy-related conditions tied to regulatory compliance, which implies a continuing obligation for updates and re-submissions as plans evolve.
  • Enforcement provisions indicate a timeline for compliance checks, inspections, and penalties, though exact dates would be specified in the text.
  • Any future amendments or implementing regulations would further define definitions (e.g., “large load user”) and specific data sharing standards.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific stakeholders (facility operators, local government, or safety regulators) or pull out the exact definitions and penalties once the bill text is available.

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

Sign in to ask a question.