Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB680

Introduced
3/23/23  

Caption

In grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions and for award of grants.

Impact

The proposed amendments to grant allocations include adjustments that allow grants of $2,500 to $20,000 per fire company, with specific provisions for communities with multiple volunteer fire companies that have consolidated their resources. This bill aims to adapt the funding structure to ensure that consolidated entities can access grants equivalent to what separate companies would have received. By introducing differentiated grant amounts based on the number of firehouses a company operates, the bill aims to alleviate financial pressures faced by large, multi-facility fire companies.

Summary

House Bill 680, introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, focuses on amending Title 35 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically concerning grants to fire companies and emergency medical services (EMS) companies. The bill establishes a clearer definition of what constitutes a 'firehouse' and outlines adjustments to the grant limits that these agencies can access based on their operational needs. The amendments are designed to support the financial sustainability of not only traditional fire companies but also volunteer services, acknowledging the essential role these organizations play in community safety and emergency response.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 680 appears positive, as it receives support from legislators who recognize the challenges volunteer fire companies face in securing adequate funding. This bill is seen as a proactive measure to strengthen the operational capacities of these services amidst increasing demands and limited public resources. Nevertheless, discussions may have pointed out concerns about the equitable distribution of grants and the administrative capacity of smaller municipalities to manage these funds effectively.

Contention

While HB 680 primarily enjoys bipartisan support, potential points of contention might arise around the mechanisms of grant distribution, particularly how funds are allocated among varying service providers. Critics may question whether enough oversight exists to ensure funds are used effectively across consolidated entities or how well the new definitions will clarify eligibility for these essential services. The success of this bill will likely hinge on the ability to address these concerns while maximizing support for Pennsylvania's emergency response capabilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB582

In grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for award of grants.

PA HB2407

In general provisions relating to emergency management services, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to fire companies and EMS companies, for State Fire Commissioner and for curriculum, training and education certification management system; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for establishment, for publication and notice and for award of grants, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, further providing for allocation of appropriated funds, repealing provisions relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for special provisions and for annual reports; and making transfers.

PA SB1099

In grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for publication and notice and for award of grants, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, further providing for expiration of authority, repealing provisions relating to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for annual reports.

PA SB466

In Commonwealth services, further providing for powers and duties and for curriculum, training and education certification management system; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for award of grants to fire companies and for award of grants to emergency medical services companies and providing for expiration of authority; and making a repeal.

PA SB531

In grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for award of grants.

PA HB349

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for definitions relating to intrastate mutual aid and for definitions relating to Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program; in volunteer firefighters, further providing for definitions relating to fire relief association; in emergency responder mental wellness and stress management, further providing for definitions; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions; and, in incentives for municipal volunteers of fire companies and nonprofit emergency medical services agencies, further providing for definitions.

PA HB1261

In Commonwealth services, providing for protection against PFAS chemicals and for firefighting protective equipment; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services

PA HB2091

In grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for expiration of authority.

PA HB182

In grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, establishing the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program in the Office of State Fire Commissioner and the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Fund.

PA SB457

In Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to fire companies and EMS companies.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.