Bill > SB552

This bill establishes a new chapter in Pennsylvania law regarding emergency response payment for fire companies, primarily focusing on how volunteer fire companies can seek reimbursement for emergency response costs. The legislation defines key terms like "emergency" (an incident requiring coordinated action through an official dispatch) and establishes that a person involved in an emergency that requires a fire company's response can be held liable for actual and reasonable response costs. Insurers are made responsible for reimbursing fire companies for these costs, and fire companies are authorized to bill insurers for services rendered, with bills needing to be clearly itemized. The bill includes provisions that if an insurer fails to pay, the fire company can pursue legal action against the person responsible for the emergency. There are penalties for fire companies filing false reimbursement requests, with fines ranging from $100 for a first offense to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. Additionally, the bill requires police reports related to emergency responses to be released within 30 days and mandates that reimbursement rates be published by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, aligning with federal disaster relief guidelines. The act will take effect 180 days after its passage.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=552