HARRISBURG — The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee approved five bills today to support and enhance the important work of Pennsylvania’s first responders, according to Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), who chairs the committee.
“Our brave firefighters and EMTs, who put their lives on the line to protect us during our worst moments, have been facing serious challenges in recent years,” Mastriano said. “From protecting firefighters from toxic chemicals, to removing burdensome requirements, to ensuring all dispatchers have access to key resources, these bills help support our first responders as they work to keep us safe.”
The committee advanced two measures to restrict the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a toxic “forever” chemical, in firefighting foam. Senate Bill 980, sponsored by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and Sen. Nick Miller (D-14), and House Bill 1261, sponsored by Rep. Brian Munroe (D-144) and Rep. Zachary Mako (R-183), ensure firefighters and communities across Pennsylvania are protected from the harmful, long-term effects of PFAS exposure.
Senate Bill 923, sponsored by Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11), would exempt volunteer fire and EMS agencies from the requirements of the Right-to-Know Law. Complying with the Right-to-Know Law can be difficult and time-consuming for first responder agencies, especially considering many organizations are short-staffed. The bill was introduced in response to recommendations from a bipartisan report commissioned by the General Assembly which examined how the state could address challenges facing the Fire and EMS community.
House Bill 453, sponsored by Rep. Jessica Benham (D-36) and Rep. Dan Miller (D-42), defines 911 dispatchers as first responders under state law, ensuring they have access to the same benefits as their colleagues. Despite the crucial role of dispatchers in coordinating emergency responses, they are not eligible for many programs available to other first responders, including treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Senate Bill 1261, sponsored by Mastriano, would make technical changes to the Fire and EMS Grant program to streamline the application process, making it easier for first responders to access this valuable funding. As amended in committee, the bill would also increase the amounts that fire and EMS agencies can borrow through the State Fire Commissioner’s low-interest loan program.
All five measures now advance to the full Senate for further consideration. Video of the full voting meeting is available at the PA Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee website.