Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB720

Introduced
3/28/23  

Caption

In additional coverages, further providing for definitions.

Impact

The proposed changes to the Workers' Compensation Act would enhance protections for volunteer emergency responders, acknowledging their critical role in community safety. By expanding coverage, the bill would ensure that such individuals have access to compensatory benefits in case they face injuries or fatalities while rendering aid. This legislative change could encourage more individuals to participate in volunteer emergency services, knowing they are safeguarded under state law for their courageous efforts.

Summary

House Bill 720 seeks to amend the existing Workers' Compensation Act of June 2, 1915, by expanding the definition of 'employe' to include individuals who suffer injury or death while providing emergency care, first aid, or rescue at the scene of an emergency. This inclusion particularly pertains to members of volunteer ambulance corps who are acting within the scope of their practice and are not officially on duty at the time of the incident. The intention behind this amendment is to provide a safety net for these volunteers who often take significant risks to help others in emergency situations.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HB 720 appears positive, particularly among lawmakers and community groups advocating for emergency service volunteers. Supporters argue that it is a necessary update to existing legislation, recognizing the invaluable contributions of these volunteers. However, there might be some concerns about the financial implications for the Workers' Compensation system and how the additional liabilities may impact state resources over time.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding this bill relates to the financial burden it may impose on the state's Workers' Compensation system. Critics may argue about the feasibility of such expansions considering budget constraints and the existing demands on compensation resources. Additionally, there might be discussions about how to properly classify and ensure proper oversight for volunteer services without creating administrative burdens that might deter volunteer participation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB365

In interpretation and definitions, further providing for definitions; and, in liability and compensation, providing for compensation for post-traumatic stress injury.

PA HB1632

In interpretation and definitions, further providing for definitions; and, in liability and compensation, providing for compensation for post-traumatic stress injury.

PA HB2559

In damages by action at law, further providing for recovery; in liability and compensation, further providing for schedule of compensation, repealing provisions relating to computation of benefits and providing for computation of benefits; in procedure, further providing for compromise and release, for collective bargaining agreement and for workers' compensation insurance; in additional coverages, further providing for irrebuttable presumption; in Self-Insurance Guaranty Fund, further providing for definitions and for prefund account; and, in Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund, further providing for definitions.

PA SB429

Further providing for disability benefits and for definitions.

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 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 HB167

In sales and use tax, further providing for definitions and for exclusions from tax.

PA HB762

In sales and use tax, further providing for definitions and for exclusions from tax.

PA HB1485

Further providing for death benefits and for definitions; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1154

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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.