Pennsylvania Legislators make decisions that affect nearly every areas of our life. We have provided below legislation that was introduced during the Fourth Quarter of 2023 that may affect you and your department. If you have questions and/or concerns about any of this legislation, you should reach our directly to your PA Senator or PA Representative.
October 3, 2023
Allowing Counties the Option to Create EMS Public Safety Authorities
Representatives L. Borowski and H. Boyd introduced legislation that will allow for the creation of county-wide Public Safety Authorities, which may be used to provide services for EMS. Local communities would then have the freedom to decide whether regionalization is right for their community. This legislation was developed through many rounds of stakeholder engagement and reflects the shared commitment among members of the General Assembly of supporting EMS agencies. For more information, click here.
October 4, 2023
Requiring Gas Detectors in Pennsylvania Homes and Businesses
Senators K. Muth and J. Brewster introduced legislation that will require gas detectors to be installed in any commercial businesses and residential properties where a propane, natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gas fueled appliance is located. Our bill, modeled after a Maine law that became effective in 2022, would require the placement of a gas detector within any room where a gas appliance is located. For more information, click here.
October 19, 2023
Firefighter 1 Certification Process
Senators D. Mastriano and M. Brooks introduced legislation that would make it less cumbersome for firefighters to obtain their Firefighter 1 certification. For more information, click here.
November 6, 2023
Fire & EMS Loan Program Fairness (Former HB116)
Representative P. Stambaugh reintroduced legislation amending the Fire & EMS Loan Program under Chapter 73 of Title 35 (Health and Safety). Under this a fire company will not be eligible to apply for a loan under the Fire & EMS Loan Program if the fire company receives local share funding from gaming proceeds from a casino located in the same county. For more information, click here.
November 15, 2023
Supporting first responders by modernizing our 911 emergency response system
Representative J. Solomon introduced a bill to update the 911 law to reflect the realities of today and the goals of the future, allowing us to maintain a robust 911 system that supports first responders and delivers reliable and top-notch emergency services to all Pennsylvanians. For more information, click here.
November 27, 2023
Eliminating State Fees for Nonprofit Voluntary Fire Departments
Representative J. McAndrew introduced legislation that would exempt fire departments from paying fees related to the filing of articles of incorporation. The Department of State would adopt procedures to ensure the validity of organizations receiving exemptions. For more information, click here.
December 5, 2023
Reduced Registration for Fire and EMS
Representative J. Rader introduced legislation to reduce the annual registration fee for volunteer fire and volunteer EMS to $11. For more information, click here.
Connecting Firefighters with Preventive Physical and Mental Healthcare
Representatives J. O’Mara and D. Miller introduced legislation that would provide a new grant pathway for fire companies who choose to require annual physical examinations. It would cover up to $650 for each firefighter who complies with the requirements. The bill would preserve personal medical privacy, assure collective bargaining rights, and would be available for every firefighter in every department that answers at least 15 calls a year. To be eligible, fire companies would need to certify that each firefighter receives on an annual basis a minimum of two hours of mental health training specifically to identify and discuss the impact fire service trauma may have on them and their brothers and sisters with which they serve. For more information, click here.
