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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | November 27, 2023 02:18 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Joe McAndrew |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Eliminating State Fees for Nonprofit Voluntary Fire Departments |
| If you are a Volunteer Fire Department in Pennsylvania, it is becoming more and more advantageous to become a registered non-profit with the state. The problem, it costs a fire department to do so. Currently, volunteer fire departments wishing to register as a non-profit organization in Pennsylvania must pay a $125 filing fee to the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. This fee imposes a financial burden on voluntary fire departments who provide an essential public service. Similar to existing law that waives this fee for veteran-owned businesses, my legislation would exempt fire departments from paying fees related to the filing of articles of incorporation. The Department of State would adopt procedures to ensure the validity of organizations receiving exemptions. By passing this legislation, we would be removing financial barriers from our fire departments and help increase access to fast and equipped emergency services. All citizens should feel that their town or city is equipped to deal with emergencies resulting from fires, and this legislation would make it easier for fire departments across the state to register for non-profit status, without any cost to them for their work. Please consider co-sponsoring this legislation that will remove unnecessary fees to our fire departments and help keep Pennsylvanians safe. |
Introduced as HB1885