Linemen Legacy Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7996
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Emergency Management
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-20: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T08:05:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Linemen Legacy Act (H.R. 7996) aims to expand the legal definition of "emergency response providers" under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to explicitly include utility line technicians (commonly known as linemen) who respond to major disasters or emergencies declared by the President.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 2(6) of the Homeland Security Act (6 U.S.C. 101(6)).
- Adds utility line technicians to the definition of emergency response providers, but only when they are responding to a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency under Section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5191).
- The bill restructures the existing definition for clarity by inserting subparagraphs (A) and (B).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the definition: Previously, the term "emergency response providers" included federal, state, and local governmental and certain private emergency responders (e.g., firefighters, law enforcement). This bill adds a specific new category for utility line technicians in limited circumstances.
- No other changes to qualifications, duties, or benefits; it is a clarification to ensure inclusion.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may extend grants, training, equipment, or liability protections (e.g., under programs like the Assistance to Firefighters Grant) to these technicians during declared disasters.
- Citizens: Faster restoration of power and utilities after disasters, improving public safety and recovery in affected areas.
- No notable international relations impact.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Utility line technicians/linemen: Gain formal recognition, potentially unlocking federal benefits and protections.
- Utility companies: Easier access to federal support for disaster response workers.
- Federal agencies (DHS, FEMA): Administrative updates to programs referencing the definition.
- State/local governments: Enhanced coordination for disaster recovery involving critical infrastructure.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Provides statutory clarity, reducing ambiguity in court interpretations or agency rules about who qualifies for emergency responder status; aligns with existing Stafford Act framework.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; falls under Congress's authority over interstate commerce and disaster relief.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (introduced by Reps. Higgins, Norcross, Bresnahan); honors linemen's role in disasters, potentially influencing future infrastructure and emergency management policies. Referred to House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-20: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- 2026-03-19: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2026-03-19: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-19: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Linemen Legacy Act — issued 2026-03-19 — PDF (2 pages)