Bill requiring data center info for emergency responders advances

HARRISBURG - Legislation that would ensure first responders have the tools they need to respond to potential emergencies at large-scale data centers in their communities was reported out of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, according to the bill's sponsor, state Rep. Christina Sappey, D-158th Dist.

House Bill 2535 requires that floor plans and infrastructure inventories be provided annually to local fire officials as a condition of occupancy.

"Without this vital information, our responders would not know what they were walking into, and every minute counts, not only for them, but for the entire surrounding community," Sappey said in a press release announcing the bill's advancement. "This gives responders critical safety information before and during a crisis, and it helps them prepare for potential hazards like battery storage, cooling agents and fuel storage locations."

Additionally, Sappey said that this legislation balances protecting sensitive facility information while strengthening emergency preparedness and public safety for the communities that house them, as the bill protects submitted information as confidential security information.

The bill also provides for civil penalties or possible occupancy revocation for continued noncompliance, in addition to allowing municipalities to adopt stricter fire safety or reporting requirements.

"It is our responsibility to give those on the ground all the tools they need to act quickly and safely in these scenarios as they work to protect all of us," Sappey said.

The bill now advances to the full House for consideration.

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This story was originally published July 5, 2026 at 6:51 AM.