Bill > HB537

This bill amends the Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act to expand property tax relief for families of certain public service workers who die in the line of duty. Specifically, the bill provides that if a paid or volunteer firefighter, ambulance service or rescue squad member, law enforcement officer, National Guard member, certified hazardous material response team member, or Pennsylvania Civil Air Patrol member dies while performing their duties, the Commonwealth will pay their property taxes for five years or until the primary residence is sold, whichever comes first. The tax benefits would first go to the surviving spouse, then to minor children if there is no spouse, and finally to the parents if no spouse or minor children survive. To receive these benefits, the surviving family members must provide the department with the tax bill showing the total amount of property taxes owed. The bill takes effect 60 days after its enactment, offering a meaningful financial support mechanism for families who have lost a loved one in public service.