PA House passes Benham, Miller bill for 911 dispatchers

Proposal to recognize 911 telecommunicators as first responders clears House

Rep. Jessica Benham April 8, 2025 | 3:36 PM

HARRISBURG, April 8 – Legislation that would officially classify 911 telecommunicators as emergency responders passed the state House of Representatives today, announced the authors of the bill state Reps. Jessica Benham and Dan Miller.

“Emergency dispatchers handle life-and-death situations every day,” said Benham, D-Allegheny. “Despite being the first to respond to an emergency, they are are not classified as first responders. This bill would finally change that, ensuring they receive the recognition, benefits, and other critical protections they deserve.”

"As a retired firefighter, I can tell you that 911 dispatchers are critical first responders,” said Miller, D-Allegheny. “Their involvement often makes the difference between a response that goes as it should, and one that doesn’t. They provide lifesaving information, but often carry home with them the scars and trauma of the job.”

Benham and Miller said properly identifying dispatchers as first responders would help them access more resources like wellness and stress management programs.

The state House passed H.B. 453 unanimously and it now heads to the state Senate for consideration.

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