Bill > HB1765

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to require police departments to provide insurance benefits to part-time police officers, ensuring they receive comparable coverage to full-time officers. Specifically, the bill mandates that part-time police officers be offered health insurance for themselves and their families, as well as disability and survivor benefits if they are injured or killed in the line of duty. If a police department does not have full-time officers, the benefits must match those provided by the Pennsylvania State Police. The bill allows part-time officers who work for multiple departments to choose which department's benefits they will receive, but they can only receive benefits from one department at a time. Part-time officers are also not prevented from collectively bargaining for additional benefits beyond the minimum requirements. The bill defines key terms by referencing existing definitions in Pennsylvania law and is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, or immediately, whichever is later. This legislation aims to provide more comprehensive employment protections and support for part-time municipal police officers.