Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility House passes Freeman bill to allow memorials for first responders

House passes Freeman bill to allow memorials for first responders

Rep. Robert L. Freeman    February 2, 2026 | 2:44 PM

HARRISBURG, Feb. 2 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today unanimously passed legislation written by Rep. Robert Freeman that would allow boroughs, third-class cities, and most counties to establish memorials for first responders.

“Currently, these municipalities and counties are allowed to maintain memorials for soldiers. However, there is no clear authorization for first responders' memorials, which could include firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency vehicle drivers and police officers,” said Freeman, D-Northampton. “First responders are there whenever we need them in an emergency and they deserve to be honored by their communities.”

Freeman’s legislation (H.B.1738) also would update current language regarding soldiers' memorials to include men and women who served in the Pennsylvania National Guard or any of the U.S. Armed Forces or their reserve components.

Examples of third-class cities include Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Erie, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Wilkes Barre and York.

The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs and the Pennsylvania Municipal League support the legislation.

The bill moves to the state Senate for consideration.