Mifflin Fire Dept. Legislation Page
This page is to keep Emergency Personnel up to date with  Laws concerning us that have been passed or introduced mostly in the Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania however there may be reference to Federal laws as well.
Congress Approves An Additional $210 Million In Fire Grant Funding Brings Total to $360 Million
       On December 19, House and Senate conferees approved an emergency supplemental spending bill, attached to the FY 2002 Defense Appropriations Bill ( HR 3338), which includes $210 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. This funding is in addition to the $150 million already approved by Congress and will bring the total amount of funding for this years program to $360 Million.
Bill Signed Designating Sept. 11 as  'Patriots Day'
      On December 18, President Bush signed a measure (HJ Res 71) that designates September 11 as Patriot Day. The new law calls on the President to issue a proclamation each year regarding the observance of Patriot Day and the display of the U. S. Flag at half-staff in honor of those individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
      The bill was introduced on October 25 by Rep. Vito Fossella (r-NY) and passed both Houses unanimously.
Pennsylvania Legislative Update
HOUSE BILL 5 was amended and approved by the House Veteran's Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee April 23. This proposal establishes a $35 million grant program for volunteer fire companies and $5 million for volunteer ambulance services. The bill was re-refferred to the Appropriations Committee October 15.
      House Bill 5 includes:
      * Licensed volunteer EMS nonprofit organizations whether or not they are part of a volunteer fire company.
      * Rescue as part of fires and/or vehicle accidents.
      * Deadline for application extended to November 30, PEMA approves/disapproves by March 1.
      *$100,000 seperate appropriation for staffing.
      * Must agree to participate in Pennsylvania's incident reporting system.
      * Training & certification eligible for grants.
      * Seperate legislation is being considered to establish a funding mechanism for career departments. Similar to Act 120 for Police Officer training, this proposal would provide state funding for municipalities whose career firefighters complete minimal training certification.
GRANTS
SENATOR  WAUGH'S SENATE BILL 886 would establish a $25 million grant program for volunteer fire & emergency services, includes consolidation incentives and local government matching funds. Senate bill 886 was referred to State Government Committee May 24.
SENATOR WAUGH'S SENATE BILL 974, which would require a referendum for $50 million for no interest loans to volunteer fire companies, volunteer ambulance services and volunteer rescue squads. Senate Bill 974 was re-referred to Rukes & Executive Nominations.
REP. NAILOR'S HOUSE BILL 337, which appropriates $100 million of the tobacco setlement funds to a "Volunteer Fire & Emergency Services Organization Grant Program," Rep. Nailor was successful in ataching the language contained in House Bill 337 to the tobacco setlement bill which passed the House January 28. The Executive Committee ( State Presidents) of the Statewide Advisory Board met Dec 1 , 2000 and recommended the continuation and expansion of the grant program for 2001. Visit www.pfsi.org to view the Priority Issues document.
REP. SATHER HAS INTRODUCED HOUSE BILL 1984  to fund grants to volunteer fire and emergency service units through a 12- cent liqour tax. House Bill 1984 was referred to the House Finance Committee October 5.
HEPATITIS
HOUSE BILL 1633 PASSED December 12, 2001. Hepatits C will now be included in the definition of "occupational disease" under the Worker's Compensation Act. The Governor signed the bill into law December 20,2001. Special thank you to the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters for advocating on behalf of all emergency responders for this vital legislation.
CANCER PRESUMPTION
Rep. O'Brien's legislation includes cancer in the definition of "occupational disease" under the Worker's Compensation Act. House Bill 520 was referred to the House Labor Relations Committee. The Executive Committee ( State Presidents) of the Statewide Advisory Board met Dec 1, 2000 and recomended Cancer Presumption as a top priority issue for the current legislative session. The House Labor Relations Committee will hold an Informal Hearing on this subject in the near future.