HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has approved legislation sponsored by State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, that aims to address critical funding challenges faced by fire and emergency medical services (EMS) across the Commonwealth.
House Bill 393 seeks to amend the Second-Class Township Code by increasing the maximum tax levies for fire and EMS services. Under the legislation, townships could raise fire taxes from the current 3 mills to 10 mills and EMS taxes from 0.5 mill to 5 mills.
“Fire companies and emergency services exist to serve and protect all Pennsylvania residents, and they need proper funding to carry out their responsibilities,” Pielli said.
The revisions are intended to address decades of stagnant tax limits. The fire tax cap was last raised nearly 50 years ago, from 2 to 3 mills in 1975. Similarly, EMS funding, capped at 0.5 mill since 1974, has remained insufficient to meet rising costs. Although Act 54 of 2024 allowed some municipalities to increase fire tax levies, the changes applied only to select boroughs and townships. House Bill 393 aims to extend this option to all second-class townships.
The need for funding is urgent. Since 2019, Pennsylvania has seen the closure of 24 registered fire departments, according to the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Department Registry. Additionally, the past two years have witnessed the shutdown of 49 EMS companies in the state, with major closures reported in Indiana, Lycoming, and Westmoreland counties.
“Funding struggles can result in staffing shortages and increased response times, which can make the difference between life and death,” Pielli emphasized. “With this funding, our first responders can increase staffing and upgrade equipment.”
The legislation now heads to the state Senate for consideration. If passed, it would provide critical resources to ensure that first responders remain fully equipped and prepared to serve communities throughout Pennsylvania.
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