Pielli bill to help increase funding for first responders approved by PA House
Rep. Chris Pielli May 14, 2025 | 1:49 PM
HARRISBURG, May 14 – State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, announced that his legislation to help increase funding for fire and EMS companies has been approved by the state House of Representatives.
House Bill 393 would amend the Second-Class Township Code to allow for townships to increase levies for a fire tax from 3 mills to 10 mills. It would also allow for an increase in the amount of mills a township can levy for the EMS tax from 0.5 mill to 5 mills.
In 1974, townships were granted the authority to levy a 0.5 mill tax for EMS and rescue operations. In 1975, the millage limit for fire departments increased from 2 to 3 mills and remained there for 50 years. Act 54 of 2024 raised the millage limit from 3 to 10 mills, but only for first- and second-class townships and boroughs in second-class A counties which are contiguous to a first-class city.
“Fire companies and emergency services exist to serve and protect all Pennsylvania residents, and they need proper funding to carry out their responsibilities,” Pielli said.
In 2024, EMS services shut down in India, Lycoming and Westmoreland counties. In the past two years, 49 EMS companies have shut down in Pennsylvania. According to the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Department Registry, Pennsylvania has lost 24 registered fire departments since 2019.
“Funding struggles can result in staffing shortages and increased response times, which can make the difference between life and death. This legislation is a simple but important step in increasing funding opportunities for our first responders,” he said. “With this funding, our first responders can increase staffing and upgrade equipment. This option should also be extended to all townships of the second class.”
House Bill 393 now heads to the state Senate for consideration.