An Act amending Titles 53 (Municipalities Generally) and 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in municipal authorities, further providing for purposes and powers; and, in rates and distribution systems, further providing for standby charge prohibited.

HB 1761 prohibits water utilities and municipal authorities from charging "standby fees" to specific groups. It directly affects volunteer fire companies, nonprofit rescue squads, and nonprofit ambulance services (if they own/occupy buildings with fire protection systems and pay for them), as well as residential property owners with automatic fire protection systems. The bill defines a "standby charge" as an extra fee beyond the actual cost of water service for fire protection systems, and bans this practice. Existing charges for affected groups will continue until the next billing cycle after the law takes effect. The law amends both municipal and utility statutes to enforce this prohibition.