House votes to provide workers’ comp to volunteer firefighters, ambulance corps members injured during fundraising

Rep. Robert L. Freeman April 14, 2026 | 3:17 PM

HARRISBURG, April 14 – Volunteers who are injured while organizing or engaging in fundraising activities with volunteer fire departments and volunteer ambulance corps would be provided workers’ compensation coverage under legislation passed by the state House of Representatives, according to prime sponsor Rep. Robert Freeman.

“Without fundraising, many of our volunteer fire departments and ambulance corps would struggle to perform their lifesaving services for their communities. These volunteers shouldn’t have to worry about how they’ll support themselves and their families because they were injured while trying to support their community,” said Freeman, D-Northampton.

The Workers' Compensation Act provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job duties. It covers medical expenses and lost wages for workers who are unable to return to work due to a work-related injury or illness.

The act defines the liability of an employer to pay damages for injuries received by an employee, or volunteer, in the course of employment. Volunteers of fire departments and ambulance corps who are engaged in fundraising activities are not currently protected under the act.

The legislation is supported by the PA State Association of Boroughs, and PA State Association of Township Supervisors.

House Bill 2087, which passed 199-2, heads to the state Senate for consideration.

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