PennsylvaniaUtilities would keep defibrillators ready at electric work sites
Pennsylvania utilities would keep working defibrillators at electric work sites and ensure crew leaders and enough workers know CPR and how to use them.
What it does
Utilities would keep at least one working defibrillator at each site where crews do electric work. At field sites, it must be nearby and accessible during work hours.
Utilities would tell crews where to find each defibrillator and ensure crew leaders and enough workers at each site know CPR and how to use it.
Utilities would maintain each device, check that it is ready and undamaged, and keep inspection records for at least two years.
The labor department could investigate possible violations. A first violation brings a warning and 30 days to fix it; later violations could lead to a fine of up to $500.
Argument forWorkers could get faster access to a defibrillator in an emergency if utilities keep one nearby and tell crews where it is.
Argument againstUtilities may face added work to train crews, keep devices ready, and document regular inspections at each work site.
More detail
Utilities would keep at least one working defibrillator at each work site. This covers utilities, including contractors and subcontractors doing linework or electrical work for them, at sites for electric power generation, transmission, or distribution. At temporary, mobile, or field sites, the device must be on a vehicle or other mobile unit that stays at or near the site and is accessible during work hours. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment.
Utilities would tell crews where defibrillators are and ensure crew leaders and enough workers are trained in CPR and device use. The training duties apply at each work site to line crew leaders and a sufficient number of lineworkers. Crew leaders must hold current certification from a nationally recognized organization. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment.
Utilities would maintain the devices, check their readiness, and keep inspection records. These duties apply to each defibrillator required at a work site. Devices must be maintained as the manufacturer directs, with usable batteries and pads, and stored to protect them from damage. Utilities must document inspections and keep those records for at least two years. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment.
The Department of Labor and Industry could investigate possible violations and take enforcement action. The provisions apply to a person who violates the act's requirements. For a first violation, the department must issue a warning and allow 30 days to correct it. For a later violation, it must bring an administrative action to assess a fine of up to $500. The 30-day correction period follows a warning for a first violation. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 22Act No. 111 of 2026Latest
- Oct 22Approved by the Governor Josh ShapiroBecame Law
- Oct 22Presented to the GovernorTo Governor
- Oct 22Signed in House
- Oct 21Signed in Senate
- Vote recorded CONCUR IN HOUSE AMENDMENTS. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded FINAL PASSAGE. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Appropriations): Re-report Bill As Committed. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Rules & Executive Nominations): Re-Reported as Committed. Result: pass.Upper
- Oct 21Senate concurred in House amendments
- Oct 21Re-reported on concurrence, as committedMinor
- Oct 21Referred to Rules & Executive NominationsMinor
- Oct 21Third consideration and final passagePassed House
- Oct 21Re-reported as committedMinor
- Oct 20Re-referred to AppropriationsMinor
- Vote recorded A4693. Result: fail.Lower
- Vote recorded A4718. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded MOTION TO SUSPEND RULES. Result: pass.Lower
- Oct 20Second consideration, with amendmentsMinor
- Oct 19Removed from table
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Labor & Industry): Report Bill As Committed. Result: pass.Lower
- Oct 19Laid on the table
- Oct 19First considerationMinor
- Oct 19Reported as committedMinor
- Oct 5Referred to Labor & IndustryMinor
- Vote recorded FINAL PASSAGE. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Appropriations): Re-Reported as Committed. Result: pass.Upper
- Oct 5Third consideration and final passagePassed Senate
- Oct 5Re-reported as committedMinor
- Oct 5Re-referred to AppropriationsMinor
- Sep 30Second considerationMinor
- Sep 29First considerationMinor
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Labor & Industry): Reported as Amended. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Labor & Industry): Adopt Amendment A04288. Result: pass.Upper
- Sep 29Reported as amendedMajor
- May 20Referred to Labor & IndustryIntroduced
Public Safety