Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1101

Introduced
3/12/24  
Refer
3/12/24  
Refer
3/20/24  
Report Pass
4/8/24  
Engrossed
4/8/24  

Caption

In Commonwealth services, further providing for curriculum, training and education certification management system.

Impact

The proposed legislation intends to provide flexibility in testing procedures for trainees at the firefighter level, allowing for cumulative tests at the end of the training program or module-based tests after successive training modules. This change could potentially lead to more tailored training and better preparedness of emergency services personnel, impacting public safety positively by assuring that firefighters are thoroughly assessed and qualified as they enter the field.

Summary

Senate Bill 1101, introduced in March 2024, amends Title 35 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning fire and emergency services training. The bill specifically updates the curriculum, training, and education certification management system, with a focus on the standardization of entry-level training and testing for firefighters. The bill aims to enhance the overall effectiveness of training programs while ensuring that they adhere to recognized national standards.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB 1101 appears to be supportive, with strong backing from members of the Senate. The coordinated effort to streamline training processes indicates a collective agreement on the necessity of enhancing training standards. However, potential concerns regarding the adequacy of testing methods and whether they sufficiently prepare candidates for future challenges in emergency situations may arise as discussions continue.

Contention

While there is overall support for the bill, some discussion may center on the specifics of the testing options provided. Questions might arise about whether the alternative testing methods will effectively ensure that all firefighters meet the necessary standards. The changes could imply a shift in training philosophy that prioritizes flexibility over uniformity, raising debates about maintaining high standards in candidate qualifications.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB90

In Commonwealth services, further providing for curriculum, training and education certification management system.

PA SB1039

In Commonwealth services, further providing for curriculum, training and education certification management system.

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 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 SB1193

In Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to

PA SB1179

In Commonwealth services, providing for opportunities for municipal firefighters and volunteer firefighters; establishing the Municipal and Volunteer Firefighter Training and Education Incentive Program and the Municipal and Volunteer Firefighter Training and Education Incentive Fund; imposing duties on the State Fire Advisory Board; imposing penalties; and making an appropriation.

PA SB623

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

PA HB791

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

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 SB114

In terms and courses of study, further providing for firefighter and emergency service training and establishing the Secondary Education Fire Training Pilot Program and the Fire Training Fund.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.