Hutchinson, Kearney Bill to Protect Workers’ Compensation for First Responders Passes Senate

HARRISBURG - Legislation authored by Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-21) and Sen. Tim Kearney (D-26) to ensure volunteer fire and EMS personnel are covered by workers' compensation when participating in fundraising activities was approved with unanimous support by the Senate today.

"Fundraising is necessary for our brave volunteer first responders to adequately perform their service to our communities," Hutchinson said. "Given this reality, their benefits should not be left to chance. It is commonsense to apply the same workers' compensation standards to fundraising that we apply to the rest of their essential work."

"Fundraising for our local fire and EMS companies is essential for keeping them ready to respond to emergencies, and it is critical for helping our municipalities meet their duty to provide fire and EMS service," Kearney said. "Senate Bill 1053 will ensure volunteers are taken care of if they're injured while conducting fundraiser events for their local fire or EMS company, and I am proud to work with Sen. Hutchinson to get this bill passed."

A 1980 decision by the Commonwealth Court held that firefighters injured at their annual fundraising picnic were eligible for workers' compensation, using the rationale that members were covered for all activities authorized by a municipality. However, current law does not provide the same coverage for the full scope of fundraising activities. Senate Bill 1053 would fill this gap, expressly providing workers' compensation for volunteers' participation in fundraising activities.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Hutchinson's Senate floor remarks can be viewed here.

CONTACTS:
Justin Leventry (Hutchinson)
Sam Arnold (Kearney)