Pennsylvania House Bill HB1765

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/4/25
• Refer: 8/4/25

Caption

In employees, providing for insurance benefits for part-time police officers.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1765 would amend existing state laws regarding employee benefits, particularly in relation to part-time public safety officers. This change could lead to more equitable treatment of part-time officers, ensuring they have access to necessary health and welfare benefits that are often only available to full-time employees. The bill aims to normalize the inclusion of part-time staff in the benefits framework, which could potentially motivate more individuals to consider part-time employment in law enforcement.

Summary

House Bill 1765 focuses on providing insurance benefits specifically for part-time police officers within the state. The motivation behind this legislation is to enhance the compensation and benefits package available to part-time law enforcement personnel, thereby improving recruitment and retention rates in this critical area. This bill recognizes that part-time officers play a significant role in maintaining public safety and seeks to ensure they are fairly compensated for their service.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 1765 appears to be supportive, particularly among law enforcement advocates who view the bill as a positive step towards improving the working conditions for part-time officers. There is a recognition of the challenges faced by part-time personnel and a general agreement that providing health and insurance benefits is a necessary move. However, some fiscal conservatives may express concerns about the impact of increased financial responsibilities on state budgets.

Contention

Notable contentions in the discussions surrounding HB 1765 may relate to budgetary constraints and the potential financial implications for municipalities. Critics may argue that extending insurance benefits to part-time officers could create additional financial burdens, impacting local government budgets. Conversely, proponents assert that investing in part-time officers will ultimately lead to better public safety outcomes, as securing more qualified personnel will address recruitment challenges in law enforcement.