Waugh Commends Senate on Passage of Emergency Services Legislation

Package of Bills was Result of SR 60 Commission Recommendations

HARRISBURG – Senator Mike Waugh (R-York) was very pleased to see four pieces of legislation aimed at improving the delivery of fire rescue and emergency medical services around the Commonwealth gain unanimous support from the Senate yesterday. 

Senate Bill 987, House Bill 1131, House Bill 1133, and House Bill 1134 were the top recommendations of the SR 60 Commission.  This 25-member bi-partisan commission was established through Senate Resolution 60 sponsored by Waugh in 2003.  They were charged with studying emergency services throughout Pennsylvania and compiling a list of suggested legislative fixes to challenges faced by the emergency services community. 

"It has been a long journey since the passage of SR 60 in 2003 and since the Commission issued their report in 2004," said Waugh.  "However, I am glad to see we are making progress in our efforts to help municipalities and providers address the issues they face in providing emergency services to their communities." 

Generally speaking each piece of legislation authorizes municipalities to provide fire and emergency services and the necessary funding and administrative assistance needed, as determined by the municipality.  Individually, the bills amend the respective municipal codes: 

• SB 987, sponsored by Senator Lisa Baker, amends the Third Class City Code
• HB 1131, sponsored by Rep. Melio, amends the Second Class Township Code
• HB 1133, sponsored by Rep. Melio, amends the Borough Code
• HB 1134, sponsored by Rep. Melio, amends the First Class Township Code 

"We still have a long road ahead of us to address the many recommendations that were brought forth by the SR 60 Commission," said Waugh, "but clearly, we're moving in the right direction." 

The three House Bills have been referred to the House Rules Committee; SB 987 awaits action by the House.