Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2446

Introduced

4/22/26

Refer

4/22/26

Caption

In Commonwealth services, establishing the Fire Company Transformational Grant Program.

Impact

The passage of HB 2446 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws surrounding fire and emergency services, optimizing the operational capacity of fire companies statewide. Eligible fire companies can use the grants for purchasing essential equipment such as vehicles and gear, which could lead to improved response times during emergencies. Additionally, the bill facilitates funding for recruitment and retention initiatives, which aim to address the staffing challenges that many fire services are currently facing. This could help stabilize and increase the number of active firefighters, thereby enhancing community safety.

Summary

House Bill 2446 establishes the Fire Company Transformational Grant Program in Pennsylvania, which aims to provide financial support to municipal, volunteer, and combination fire companies. The program is authorized to allocate up to $30 million annually from the Property Tax Relief Reserve Fund for grants intended to enhance fire services through various means, including equipment purchases, facility improvements, and staffing support. The bill seeks to ensure that fire companies are better equipped and operationally efficient, ultimately improving community safety and emergency response capabilities.

Contention

Some points of contention regarding HB 2446 may arise around the eligibility criteria and the allocation of grant resources. While the bill aims to support a broad range of fire companies, there may be concerns about the fairness and accessibility of the grant application process. Questions could be raised regarding the effectiveness of utilizing funds for operational expenses versus equipment purchases. Moreover, the outlined administrative constraints, such as the limitation of using only 2% of funds for program administration, may lead to discussions about the management and oversight of the grant distribution, ensuring that it meets the needs of fire services across diverse municipalities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1261

In Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to fire companies and EMS companies; and, in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for publication and notice and for award of grants, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for annual reports.

PA SB980

In Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to fire companies and EMS companies and providing for protection against PFAS chemicals and for firefighting protective equipment; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for award of grants; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1261

PA SB457

In Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to fire companies and EMS companies.

PA SB466

In Commonwealth services, further providing for powers and duties and for curriculum, training and education certification management system; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for award of grants to fire companies and for award of grants to emergency medical services companies and providing for expiration of authority; and making a repeal.

PA HB2134

In general provisions relating to emergency management services, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for State Fire Commissioner; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for scope of chapter, for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for establishment, for publication and notice, for award of grants and for consolidation incentive, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, further providing for Fire Company Grant Program and for Emergency Medical Services Company Grant Program, repealing provisions relating to additional funding and to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, providing for hazardous materials and specialty funding, further providing for allocation of appropriated funds, repealing provisions relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, providing for Hazardous Materials Team and Specialty Team Grant Program, further providing for expiration of authority, repealing provisions relating to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for special provisions and for annual reports; and making transfers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.