Establishing the State Emergency Supplemental Grant Program; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency; establishing the State Emergency Supplemental Assistance Fund; and making a transfer.
Impact
The introduction of HB112 is anticipated to significantly impact state laws related to emergency management and local disaster response frameworks. By establishing a dedicated grant program, the bill supports local governments in their efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. This shift could lead to improved coordination among state and local agencies, as well as a bolstered financial structure that supports proactive measures against disasters. The bill aims to create a more resilient system for handling emergencies, possibly reducing response times and improving outcomes during crises.
Summary
House Bill 112 aims to establish the State Emergency Supplemental Grant Program within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This program is designed to provide additional funding to local governments for emergency management and disaster response activities. The bill outlines the duties of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency in administering this program and creating the State Emergency Supplemental Assistance Fund to facilitate these efforts. The intent is to enhance the capacity of local governments to respond to emergencies through financial support, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to manage crises effectively.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB112 has been generally supportive, particularly among stakeholders who recognize the importance of robust disaster management resources. Advocates argue that providing additional funding and resources for local emergency management efforts is crucial to safeguarding communities during disasters. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of the administrative processes established within the bill. The overall response reflects a recognition of the need for enhanced emergency readiness paired with calls for transparency in fund utilization.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding HB112 center around the specific responsibilities assigned to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and how funds will be distributed among local governments. Critics question the effectiveness of bureaucratic oversight and whether the bill adequately addresses the needs of all communities, particularly those in more remote or underserved areas. Additionally, there are concerns about potential disparities in funding distribution, with some localities possibly receiving less support based on varying criteria established in the bill.
Establishing the State Emergency Supplemental Grant Program; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency; establishing the State Emergency Supplemental Assistance Fund; and making a transfer.
In disaster emergency assistance, further providing for legislative purpose, for definitions and for construction, establishing the Individual Property Disaster Assistance Fund, renaming the Public Disaster Assistance Grant Program and providing for definitions relating to Public Facilities Disaster Assistance Grant Program; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency; making interfund transfers; and making editorial changes.
In disaster emergency assistance, further providing for legislative purpose, for definitions and for construction, establishing the Individual Property Disaster Assistance Fund, renaming the Public Disaster Assistance Grant Program and providing for definitions relating to Public Facilities Disaster Assistance Grant Program; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency; making interfund transfers; and making editorial changes.
Establishing the First Responder Resilience Grant Program and the First Responder Resilience Grant Program Fund; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
In miscellaneous provisions relating to public safety, establishing the Train Derailment Emergency Grant Program and Train Derailment Emergency Grant Fund.
Establishing the Rebuild Pennsylvania Board, the Rebuild Pennsylvania Program and the Rebuild Pennsylvania Fund; providing for powers and duties of the board and for use of program money; and making an interfund transfer.
Establishing the Rebuild Pennsylvania Board, the Rebuild Pennsylvania Program and the Rebuild Pennsylvania Fund; providing for powers and duties of the board and for use of program money; and making an interfund transfer.
Establishing the New Nursing Faculty Grant Program; providing for duties of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency; and making an appropriation.
In membership, contributions and benefits, providing for supplemental annuity commencing 2025 and for supplemental annuity commencing 2026; and, in benefits, providing for supplemental annuity commencing 2025 and for supplemental annuity commencing 2026.
In membership, contributions and benefits, providing for supplemental annuity commencing 2023 and for supplemental annuity commencing 2024; and, in benefits, providing for supplemental annuity commencing 2023 and for supplemental annuity commencing 2024.
In membership, contributions and benefits, providing for supplemental annuities commencing 2024; and, in benefits, providing for supplemental annuities commencing 2024.