A bill authored by a local lawmaker to restructure and enhance the office of the State Fire Commissioner has advanced out of committee.
Senate Bill 987, authored by Republican Senator Scott Hutchinson requires senate confirmation of the Fire Commissioner.
It would also designate the office of Fire Commissioner as the lead agency for fire services in Pennsylvania as well as establish a State Fire Advisory board with guaranteed membership from across the state.
Hutchinson’s bill was recently approved by the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. Additional bills recently approved by the Senate would create a voter referendum to expand the Volunteer Fire Company, Ambulance Service, and Rescue Squad Assistance Program as well as extend the life of the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program to June of 2024.
