Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1916

Introduced
12/12/23  

Caption

In Commonwealth services, further providing for Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program.

Impact

If enacted, HB1916 would significantly influence the availability of financial resources allocated to emergency services. The bill proposes an expansion of existing loan programs, thereby providing fire departments and emergency medical services easier access to funding. This change is expected to help local agencies overcome financial hurdles that often impede their ability to operate efficiently, purchase necessary equipment, and maintain staff. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance public safety and emergency response across Pennsylvania by ensuring that these essential services are adequately funded and equipped.

Summary

House Bill 1916 addresses funding provisions for the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program. This legislation aims to enhance financial support for both fire and emergency medical services, thereby improving the operational capabilities and readiness of these critical agencies throughout the Commonwealth. By doing so, the bill intends to ensure that these services receive the necessary resources to effectively respond to emergencies, which is especially crucial in areas experiencing increasing demands for such services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1916 appears to be largely positive among supporters, particularly those who recognize the vital role of emergency services in community safety. Advocates propose that increased funding will lead to better-equipped fire and emergency medical services, which can translate into improved responses to life-threatening situations. However, there may be some concerns related to the sustainability of funding and potential bureaucratic challenges that could arise from implementing these provisions.

Contention

Despite the general support for HB1916, discussions might reveal certain points of contention, particularly regarding how the expansion of the loan program will be managed and monitored. Stakeholders may express concerns about ensuring equitable distribution of funds across different regions, especially in less populated or rural areas that may face different challenges compared to urban centers. There may also be debates regarding the criteria for loan approval and how the state will ensure that funds are utilized effectively.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 SB1193

In Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to

PA HB791

In Commonwealth services, further providing for Pennsylvania State Fire Academy.

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 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 SB457

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

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 HB1463

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for definitions relating to intrastate mutual aid; and, in emergency responder mental wellness and stress management, further providing for definitions.

PA HB2368

In Commonwealth services, providing for emergency stockpiles and medical countermeasures.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.