Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1154

Introduced
5/18/23  

Caption

In volunteer firefighters, repealing provisions relating to employment sanctions; and providing for volunteer emergency responders employer tax credit.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1154 would modify state laws to remove existing penalties for employers who accommodate volunteer firefighters and emergency responders. This change is expected to promote volunteerism by reducing the risks associated with taking time off work to serve in these roles. Additionally, the introduction of a tax credit for employers may incentivize businesses to encourage their employees to participate in volunteering, enhancing community responsiveness to emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 1154 addresses issues related to volunteer firefighters and emergency responders by repealing certain provisions concerning employment sanctions. The bill aims to provide a tax credit for employers who support volunteer emergency responders, creating a more favorable environment for those involved in community safety and emergency management. By eliminating punitive provisions related to employment, the bill seeks to encourage more individuals to engage in volunteer firefighting and emergency response activities without fear of job loss.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1154 appears to be supportive, particularly among firefighters and emergency management advocates. Supporters view the bill as an essential recognition of the dedication and hard work of volunteer responders, as well as a necessary step to mitigate barriers that deter individuals from serving in volunteer capacities. However, there may be some concern from employers regarding the financial implications of tax credits and how they would be executed.

Contention

While the initial reception of HB 1154 indicates favorable support, points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of the proposed tax credit. Some may question the fiscal impact of these credits on state revenue and whether they effectively compensate businesses for lost labor. Additionally, discussions may surface about ensuring that the protections for volunteer firefighters do not unintentionally lead to abuses by employees who might exploit the designated leave provisions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA H0635

An act relating to employment protections for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel and tax credits for employers

PA HB1241

Employment leave for volunteer firefighters.

PA HB1508

Prohibiting discharge of volunteer firefighters or volunteer emergency medical technicians from other employment.

PA HB182

Prohibiting discharge of volunteer firefighters or volunteer emergency medical technicians from other employment.

PA SB00551

An Act Concerning Volunteer Firefighters And Ambulance Service Volunteers Employed In The State.

PA HB182

Prohibiting discharge of volunteer firefighters or volunteer emergency medical technicians from other employment.

PA LD1802

An Act to Include Certain Volunteer Firefighters in the Tax Credit for Employers of Individuals Who Are Volunteer Firefighters or Volunteer Municipal Emergency Medical Services Persons

PA SB148

Providing for volunteer firefighter tax credit.

PA HB193

AN ACT relating to a tax credit for volunteer firefighters.

PA HB133

AN ACT relating to a tax credit for volunteer firefighters.

Similar Bills

PA HB392

Providing for voluntary student expression of religious viewpoints in public schools; requiring public school districts to allow religious expression in class assignments, to provide students with the freedom to organize religious groups and activities and to provide a limited public forum for student speakers at nongraduation and graduation events; and providing for a model policy for voluntary religious expression in public schools.

PA SB120

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PA HB1735

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PA HB2500

Providing for adult use of cannabis; regulating the personal use and possession of cannabis; providing for powers and duties of the Department of Agriculture; establishing the Cannabis Business Development Fund; providing for social and economic equity, for regulation of cannabis business establishments, for enforcement and immunities, for laboratory testing, for advertising, marketing, packaging and labeling and for preparation, destruction and regulation of cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; imposing a sales tax and excise tax on cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for cannabis clean slate and for miscellaneous provisions; imposing penalties; consolidating provisions relating to medical cannabis; transferring certain powers and duties of the Department of Health to the Department of Agriculture; and making repeals.

PA HB2210

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PA SB846

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PA SB143

In preemptions, providing for restrictions on utility services prohibited.

PA SB311

In preemptions, providing for restrictions on utility services prohibited.