Bill > HB797

This bill amends the Second Class City Firemen Relief Law to modify several provisions related to pensions and benefits for firefighters and their surviving family members. The key changes remove language that previously disqualified surviving spouses from receiving benefits if they remarried, effectively allowing remarried spouses to continue receiving pension payments. The bill updates terminology from "Workmen's Compensation" to "Workers' Compensation" and maintains provisions for pension payments to surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents in cases of a firefighter's death, particularly when the death occurs in the line of duty. The bill preserves the fundamental structure of the existing law, which requires firefighters to contribute 6% of their monthly wages to the pension fund and provides death benefits, including monthly payments to widows/widowers and children of deceased firefighters. Importantly, the bill ensures that survivors can continue to receive support regardless of remarriage status, and it maintains protections for dependent children and parents, with the board retaining discretion to provide ongoing support for incompetent dependent children. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill's enactment.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=797