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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 7, 2013 05:12 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Michael L. Waugh |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Steps to Follow when a Municipality Discontinues Volunteer Fire Company or Volunteer Ambulance Services |
| I am reintroducing legislation that amends Section 7505 of Title 35 (Health and Safety) of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by adding a new section regarding the discontinuation of volunteer emergency services. This was Senate Bill 1325 from the 2011-12 session of the General Assembly. This legislation will provide greater transparency and public involvement whenever a municipality seeks to discontinue the services of a volunteer fire company or volunteer ambulance company. This bill would require that a notice of intent to discontinue be published, and a special public meeting be held that is devoted solely to the discussion of discontinuation. The purpose of the special public meeting is to provide a forum for stakeholders, including the emergency services organizations and the public, to discuss the implications of a proposed discontinuation of services. It is important to point out that this bill in no way affects the current authority of local governments to determine the emergency response that best serves their community. The proposal merely seeks to ensure that when a community volunteer fire company or ambulance company is proposed to be discontinued, those affected are afforded an opportunity to be heard, and fully informed of the decision. Co-sponsors of Senate Bill 1325 were Senators Alloway, Baker, Boscola, Browne, Costa, Erickson, Ferlo, Fontana, Pileggi, Rafferty, Schwank, Solobay and Tartaglione. If you have any questions regarding this legislation, please contact Greg Beckenbaugh in my office at 787-3817, or by e-mail at gbeckenbaugh@pasen.gov. |
Introduced as SB987