Pennsylvania Establishes Cable TV Rebate Program for Low-Income Seniors in Monopolized Areas

Original title: An Act establishing the Older Adult Cable TV Rebate Program, conferring powers and duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development and providing for cable television service reimbursement rebates for eligible older adults.

Last action · February 10, 2025: Referred to AGING AND OLDER ADULT SERVICES, Feb. 10, 2025Sponsors: Tarah Probst and 9 others

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What This Bill Would Do

Pennsylvania establishes the Older Adult Cable TV Rebate Program, providing annual rebates of up to $300 for basic cable service to residents aged 65 and older whose household income is at or below 150% of the and where basic cable is the only available service in the municipality.

Why it matters

Qualifying seniors residing in areas with a single cable provider can receive up to $300 per year to offset basic cable television expenses, funded through state appropriations.

Background

House Bill 531 was introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly during the 2025-2026 legislative session. context

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Older adults aged 65 and older

Seniors meeting income and service availability criteria are eligible to apply for annual rebates up to $300 to offset basic cable TV costs.

Directly affected

Department of Community and Economic Development

The department is tasked with promulgating regulations, creating application forms, verifying applications, issuing determinations, and awarding rebates.

Indirectly affected

Cable TV providers

Providers are impacted by customer billing interactions and verification requests related to basic tier cable service availability.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to receive the cable TV rebate?

Residents aged 65 or older whose household income does not exceed 150% of the , and who subscribe to basic tier cable service that is the only cable service available in their municipality.

What is the maximum amount of the rebate?

Rebate amounts may not exceed $300 annually.

How long does the department have to process an application?

The department must render a determination within 30 days of receiving and verifying the required documentation.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

1 action

Feb 10, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to AGING AND OLDER ADULT SERVICES, Feb. 10, 2025

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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