Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1168

Introduced
4/9/25  

Caption

In registration of vehicles, providing for contributions to local fire companies; in fees, further providing for payments to special funds; and establishing the Local Fire Company Fund.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1168 is expected to lead to a steady flow of financial resources to local fire departments, addressing funding challenges that many face, especially in rural areas. Fire companies often rely on community funding, and this bill introduces a way for residents to directly support their local services. By facilitating contributions through routine transactions like vehicle registrations, the bill hopes to increase community engagement and tangible support for fire services, which play a crucial role in public safety.

Summary

House Bill 1168 aims to enhance financial support for local fire companies in Pennsylvania by introducing an optional contribution mechanism during the vehicle registration and driver's license renewal processes. Specifically, it allows individuals to contribute $5 to their local fire company when renewing their driver's license or vehicle registration, with $10 available for two-year registrations. The bill seeks to establish a dedicated Local Fire Company Fund, ensuring that the contributions collected are systematically distributed to fire companies based on the locations of the contributors, promoting local public safety resources.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1168 appears to be positive among proponents who emphasize the importance of local fire services and their need for adequate funding. Supporters, including local government officials and fire service advocates, characterize the bill as a proactive step toward sustaining essential emergency services and fostering community relationships. However, there may be some skepticism about the effectiveness of voluntary contributions and whether they will suffice to meet the operational needs of fire companies across the state.

Contention

One notable concern about HB 1168 is the reliance on voluntary contributions, which may not generate sufficient funds to fully support all local fire companies. Critics may argue that this approach is insufficient and that a more comprehensive and stable funding source is necessary for fire services. Additionally, there could be apprehension about how well the contributions will be monitored and tracked, as the bill places the responsibility on the State Fire Commissioner to manage and distribute funds effectively.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2093

In registration of vehicles, providing for contributions to local fire companies; in fees, further providing for payments to special funds; and establishing the Local Fire Company Fund.

PA HB2636

In registration of vehicles, providing for arts registration plate; in fees, further providing for payments to special funds; and establishing the Arts Promotion Fund.

PA SB299

In personal income tax, providing for contributions for grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies.

PA HB902

In transportation network companies, further providing for impoundment of vehicles, repealing provisions relating to assessment and providing for payment of assessment; in taxation for public transportation, further providing for local financial support; in fees, further providing for fee for local use; and imposing duties on the Department of Revenue and the Department of Transportation.

PA HB1771

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for departmental responsibilities; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration and for application with driver's license application, providing for automatic voter registration and for time and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; and making a repeal.

PA HB1703

In voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, providing for electronic voter registration, for electronic submission of changes to registration and for time for electronic voter registration and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for general register, for district registers and for reports; in changes in records, further providing for removal notices and for change of enrollment of political party; and, in penalties, further providing for altering registration.

PA HB2427

In registration of vehicles, further providing for lost, stolen, damaged or illegible registration plate and for use of farm vehicle plates, providing for Pennsylvania Sportsman plate, further providing for Distracted Driving Awareness plate and for special motorcycle plates related to veterans, providing for Operation Inherent Resolve veterans plate, further providing for special plates for veterans and providing for special plates for recipients of Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal; and, in fees, further providing for exemption of persons, entities and vehicles from fees.

PA SB1201

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for licenses, providing for liability insurance and further providing for sale or transfer of firearms.

PA HB680

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

PA HB2629

In registration system, providing for verification of citizenship; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration; in penalties, further providing for duties under part; and, in provisions contingent on Federal Law, further providing for removal of electors.

Similar Bills

CA SB794

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CA AB2882

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CA AB775

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CA SB1422

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CA AB511

Personal income taxes: voluntary contributions: California ALS Research Network Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund.

AZ HB2443

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CA SB1363

Personal income taxes: voluntary contributions: National Alliance on Mental Illness California Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund.

CA SB1149

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