Federal RuleAug 21
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DOL Rewrites Disability Rules for 'Merit-Based Opportunity' Push
RuleLabor DepartmentFederal Contract Compliance Programs OfficeSignificant Wallet
119-hr-7996119th CongressWALLET
Linemen Legacy Act
Sponsored By: Representative Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3]
In Committee
Summary
Adds utility line technicians to the federal emergency responder definition. This bill would amend Section 2(6) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to explicitly include utility line technicians when they are responding to a major disaster or to an emergency declared by the President under section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Linemen added as emergency responders
This bill would add utility line technicians (linemen) to the Homeland Security Act's definition of "emergency response providers." It would apply when linemen respond to a major disaster or to an emergency the President declares under section 501 of the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5191). If enacted, the change would take effect on enactment and would be definitional only. It would not create new funding, programs, or enforcement mechanisms. Households would see clearer recognition and coordination for linemen during such disasters, which could help restore power and other utilities faster.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3]
LA • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1]
NJ • D
Sponsored 3/19/2026
Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8]
PA • R
Sponsored 3/19/2026
Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]
NY • R
Sponsored 7/6/2026
Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11]
VA • D
Sponsored 7/6/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov