Proposed Benefits for First Responders and Grants for Fire and EMS Companies
The Pennsylvania Senate has introduced SB 1106 which would provide Heart and Lung Benefits to police officers and firefighters if they contract or are diagnosed with COVID-19 or are subject to quarantine resulting from exposure to COVID-19 and are therefore temporarily incapacitated from performing their duties.
On the other side of the Legislature, the House introduced HB 2374 which would create the COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. Any grants provided under the program are to be used by fire companies and EMS companies to provide services during the pandemic as identified in the Governor’s Disaster Declaration.
Grants would be made automatically to fire companies and EMS companies that received grants under the Fire and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program for 2019-2020, without application. Each eligible fire company and EMS company would receive a grant in the same amount that they received for 2019-2020.
This would result in additional grants to Bucks County fire companies and EMS companies of approximately $950,000.
Municipalities are encouraged to contact their legislative representatives to support both Bills.
This article is not legal advice and is provided for informational purposes only. Actual legal advice can only be provided after consultation by an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
