Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB91

Introduced

1/22/25

Refer

1/22/25

Caption

Further providing for definitions and for Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program; and repealing provisions relating to retroactivity.

Impact

The bill's proposed changes to the Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program will have significant implications for state law regarding educational benefits for children of first responders. By amending definitions and establishing clearer eligibility criteria, it not only seeks to expand who can benefit from the program but also aims to remove ambiguity for institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania. This revision is particularly crucial for families of those who died in service, ensuring that their children have access to postsecondary education opportunities without the burden of tuition fees.

Summary

Senate Bill 91, introduced in Pennsylvania, aims to amend the existing Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program which provides educational benefits to the children of deceased police officers, firefighters, correction employees, and National Guard members. This bill seeks to revise the definitions of key terms related to eligible individuals, particularly those who qualify for these benefits. The modifications ensure broader inclusion of individuals serving in similar capacities, which reflects the state's commitment to support the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in their line of duty.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB 91 appears to be supportive among legislators advocating for first responders and their families. The program is viewed as a recognition of the sacrifices made by these individuals and the impact of their loss on their families. There is an understanding that ensuring access to education for the children of deceased first responders is a vital benefit, which illustrates the state’s commitment to uphold the memory and service of these individuals. However, discussions on the specifics of the bill may indicate differences in approach or the extent of eligibility definitions.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the alteration of the retroactive provisions previously in place. The repeal of certain retroactive aspects implies that the benefit will no longer extend to incidents dating back to earlier periods, which may impact families relying on those provisions for benefits. Critics might argue that this limits potential support for families affected in the past, possibly overshadowing the positive expansions proposed in eligibility and definitions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB644

Further providing for definitions; and repealing provisions relating to booth rental prohibited.

PA SB19

Further providing for definitions, for minimum wages and for exemptions; providing for gratuities; further providing for enforcement and rules and regulations, for penalties and for civil actions; repealing provisions relating to preemption; and providing for local option and for taxpayer savings and reinvestment.

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.

PA HB2479

In general provisions, further providing for definitions.

PA SB498

In general provisions, further providing for definitions.

PA HB380

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

PA HB569

Further providing for title of act; and adding provisions relating to coroners.

PA HB2319

Further providing for title of act; and adding provisions relating to telecommunicators.

PA SB226

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

PA HB786

In educational gratuity program, further providing for eligibility and qualification requirements.

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PA HB330

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PA HB2052

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PA HB703

A Joint Resolution proposing integrated amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for the election and qualifications of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

PA SB189

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PA HB2430

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PA HB1966

In bases of jurisdiction and interstate and international procedure, further providing for assistance to tribunals and litigants outside this Commonwealth with respect to service and for issuance of subpoena; in commencement of proceedings, further providing for authority of officers of another state to arrest in this Commonwealth; and, in detainers and extradition, further providing for definitions, for duty of Governor with respect to fugitives from justice and for presigned waiver of extradition.