Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB308

Introduced
3/6/25  
Refer
3/6/25  
Refer
4/2/25  
Report Pass
5/5/25  
Engrossed
5/7/25  

Caption

In military educational programs relating to medical officer or health officer incentive program, further providing for definitions, for establishment of program, for program stipend, for additional incentives, for recoupment of incentive payments, for adjustment of stipend amounts and for eligibility; and making editorial changes.

Impact

If enacted, SB308 would have a significant impact on the recruitment strategies for the Pennsylvania National Guard, particularly concerning health officers and medical personnel. By providing financial incentives in the form of stipends, it aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with medical education and residency programs for eligible officers. The potential for financial assistance may attract more healthcare professionals to serve in the National Guard, contributing to an increase in qualified medical personnel available for service.

Summary

Senate Bill 308 is an act aimed at amending Title 51 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically focusing on military educational programs related to the Medical Officer or Health Officer Incentive Program. The bill seeks to provide for the establishment of an educational assistance program, stipulating eligibility requirements, stipend amounts, and recoupment procedures for incentive payments. The primary goal of this bill is to enhance recruitment and retention of medical personnel within the Pennsylvania National Guard through financial incentives for those in medical and health officer roles.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB308 appears to lean towards support, as it addresses the urgent need for medical personnel within the military. Proponents argue that the financial incentives would not only benefit the officers in their educational pursuits but would also strengthen the overall capabilities of the Pennsylvania National Guard. While specific opposition was not highlighted in the available documents, concerns may arise regarding the sustainability of funding for the stipends, especially during budget constraints.

Contention

While SB308 presents a beneficial program aimed at supporting medical officers, notable points of contention could emerge related to its funding and implementation logistics. The need for consistent appropriations from the state legislature to support the financial incentives may raise questions about long-term fiscal viability. Moreover, the process of recouping incentive payments from individuals who fail to meet service obligations may also be debated, particularly in scenarios where circumstances beyond the control of the officers contribute to their inability to serve.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB162

In military educational programs relating to medical officer or health officer incentive program, further providing for definitions, for establishment of program, for program stipend, for additional incentives, for recoupment of incentive payments, for adjustment of stipend amounts and for eligibility; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1457

Further providing for definitions; providing for medical loss ratio; and making editorial changes.

PA HB982

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in program, further providing for program established.

PA HB1282

In Computer Data Center Equipment Incentive Program, further providing for definitions and for sales and use tax exemption.

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 SB1229

In crop insurance, further providing for short title of chapter, for purpose of chapter, for definitions, for establishment of program, for powers and duties of department, providing for Dairy Margin Coverage Program Financial Assistance; and making editorial changes.

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 HB1952

In professional and occupational licenses, further providing for definitions and providing for a policy for the award of academic credit for military training; and making editorial changes.

PA HB52

Providing for the Career and Technical Education Investment Incentive Program.

PA HB2309

In crop insurance, further providing for short title of chapter, for purpose of chapter, for definitions, for establishment of program and for powers and duties of department; providing for dairy margin coverage program financial assistance; and making an editorial change.

Similar Bills

PA HB1102

In military educational programs relating to medical officer or health officer incentive program, further providing for definitions, for establishment of program, for program stipend, for additional incentives, for recoupment of incentive payments, for adjustment of stipend amounts and for eligibility; and making editorial changes.

PA SB162

In military educational programs relating to medical officer or health officer incentive program, further providing for definitions, for establishment of program, for program stipend, for additional incentives, for recoupment of incentive payments, for adjustment of stipend amounts and for eligibility; and making editorial changes.

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 HR144

Recognizing April 14 through 20, 2025, as "National Osteopathic Medicine Week" in Pennsylvania.

PA HB1301

Requiring health insurance policies to provide coverage for pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis HIV medication and associated laboratory tests and patient visits.

DC PR25-0786

Board of Podiatry Teresa Hilliard Confirmation Resolution of 2024

PA SB876

Providing for alcohol and other drug addiction continuing education.

PA SR73

Recognizing the week of April 14 through 20, 2025, as "National Osteopathic Medicine Week" in Pennsylvania.