Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session Status: Passed Senate Bipartisan · 6 R · 5 D cosponsors

SB 792 — An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in emergency management services, providing for counterterrorism planning, preparedness and response; in Emergency Management Assistance Compact, providing for construction; and making repeals.

Last action — Referred to Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness

Track this bill free

No card. One bill, free forever — alerts when it moves.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2023-2024 Regular Session. It reached “Passed Senate” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

586 added · 389 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent amendments to Bill SB 792 updated the language to clarify the roles and definitions related to disaster response teams, such as disaster medical and mortuary assistance teams. These changes ensure clear guidelines for how these teams should be organized and how they operate in emergencies. This clarity is important as it helps streamline the response during disasters, ultimately leading to better coordination and support in critical situations.

→
Previous
Latest
PRINTER'S NO.
PRIOR PRINTER'S NO.
919 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA SENATE BILL Session of No.
919 PRINTER'S NO.
1358 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA SENATE BILL Session of No.
WILLIAMS, FONTANA, VOGEL, LANGERHOLC, MILLER, BREWSTER, BARTOLOTTA, BROOKS AND MASTRIANO, JUNE 19, 2023 REFERRED TO VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, JUNE 19, 2023 AN ACT Amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in emergency management services, providing for counterterrorism planning, preparedness and providing for construction;
WILLIAMS, FONTANA, VOGEL, LANGERHOLC, MILLER, BREWSTER, BARTOLOTTA, BROOKS, MASTRIANO AND MUTH, JUNE 19, 2023 AS AMENDED ON SECOND CONSIDERATION, FEBRUARY 6, 2024 AN ACT Amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in emergency management services, providing for counterterrorism planning, preparedness and response;
and making repeals.mpact, The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:
in Emergency Management Assistance Compact, providing for construction;
and making repeals.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:
§ 7201.
7203.
JOINT STATE GOVERNMENT COMMISSION STUDY.
<-- § 7201.
"Disaster medical assistance team." A complement of individuals organized in accordance with standards developed by the agency and applicable Federal agencies to provide medical service at the scene of disasters and mass casualty incidents.
"COMMISSION." THE JOINT STATE GOVERNMENT COMMISSION.
<-- "Disaster medical assistance team." A complement of individuals organized in accordance with standards developed by the agency and applicable Federal agencies to provide medical service at the scene of disasters and mass casualty incidents.
(3) Use of county 911 communications centers, county emergency management agencies or the State emergency operations center.
(3) Use of county 911 communications centers, county emergency management agencies or the State emergency 20230SB0792PN1358 - 2 - operations center.
20230SB0792PN0919 - 2 - (4) Member participation in training exercises, drills and actual activation and deployment.
(4) Member participation in training exercises, drills and actual activation and deployment.
"Regional counterterrorism task force." A complement of Federal, State, county and municipal emergency management, health, law enforcement, public safety and other officials and representatives from volunteer service organizations, private business and industry, hospitals and medical care facilities and other entities within a multicounty area as determined by the 20230SB0792PN0919 - 3 - agency that is responsible for conducting counterterrorism planning, training preparedness and response activities.
"PEMA." THE PENNSYLVANIA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.
<-- "Regional counterterrorism task force." A complement of Federal, State, county and municipal emergency management, health, law enforcement, public safety and other officials and representatives from volunteer service organizations, private 20230SB0792PN1358 - 3 - business and industry, hospitals and medical care facilities and other entities within a multicounty area as determined by the agency that is responsible for conducting counterterrorism planning, training preparedness and response activities.
"SPONSORING AGENCY." A MUNICIPALITY THAT HAS AN AGREEMENT <-- WITH THE AGENCY TO BE THE SPONSOR OF AN URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TASK FORCE.
"Volunteer service organization." A volunteer fire company, volunteer ambulance or medical company, volunteer rescue squad or any other volunteer entity organized and chartered or incorporated in this Commonwealth or chartered by the Congress of the United States for the primary purpose of providing emergency services as defined in section 7102 (relating to 20230SB0792PN0919 - 4 - definitions).
"Volunteer service organization." A volunteer fire company, 20230SB0792PN1358 - 4 - volunteer ambulance or medical company, volunteer rescue squad or any other volunteer entity organized and chartered or incorporated in this Commonwealth or chartered by the Congress of the United States for the primary purpose of providing emergency services as defined in section 7102 (relating to definitions).
§ 7203.
JOINT STATE GOVERNMENT COMMISSION STUDY.
<-- (A) DUTY.--THE COMMISSION SHALL CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY AND ASSESSMENT ON THE NEED, READINESS AND STATE OF OPERATIONS OF PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1 AND THE COMMONWEALTH'S URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE CAPABILITIES AND IDENTIFY VULNERABILITIES, GAPS IN THE SYSTEM AND AREAS OF NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE IMPROVEMENT.
(B) ADVISORY BOARD.--THE COMMISSION SHALL ESTABLISH AN ADVISORY BOARD TO CONDUCT THE STUDY UNDER THIS SECTION.
THE BOARD SHALL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS OR THEIR DESIGNEE:
(1) THE DIRECTOR OF PEMA.
(2) THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
(3) THE STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER.
(4) THE COMMISSIONER OF PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE.
(5) THE SECRETARY OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES.
(6) THE SECRETARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
(7) THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH.
(8) THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION.
(9) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE PENNSYLVANIA FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION.
(10) THE COMMANDER OF THE PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL AIR PATROL.
(11) THE FEMA REGION 3 REPRESENTATIVE.
(12) THE PRESIDENT, OR A DESIGNEE OF THE PRESIDENT, OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS IN A FIRE 20230SB0792PN1358 - 5 - COMPANY IN A CITY THAT IS A SPONSORING AGENCY UNDER SECTION 7386(A)(1)(V)(A) (RELATING TO STATE FIRE ADVISORY BOARD).
(13) THE PRESIDENT, OR A DESIGNEE OF THE PRESIDENT, OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS IN A FIRE COMPANY IN A CITY OF THE FIRST CLASS.
(13.1) ONE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR EACH FROM WESTERN, EASTERN AND CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA.
(14) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBER ASSOCIATION.
(15) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC- SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICIALS.
(16) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TECHNICIANS.
Show all 111 changed rows (71 more)
Previous
Latest
(17) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF BOROUGHS.
(18) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS.
(19) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE.
(20) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF TOWNSHIP COMMISSIONERS.
(21) THE PRESIDENT OR A DESIGNEE OF PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1.
(22) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PENNSYLVANIA FIRE ADVISORY BOARD.
(23) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PENNSYLVANIA CAREER FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION.
(24) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PENNSYLVANIA FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES INSTITUTE.
(25) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.
20230SB0792PN1358 - 6 - (26) ONE DIRECTOR IN EACH OF THE REGIONAL TASK FORCES, WHICH MUST BE LOCATED IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA, CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA AND EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA.
(27) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ASSOCIATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.
(28) THE PRESIDENT, OR A DESIGNEE OF THE PRESIDENT, FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION.
(C) CONDUCT AND ASSESSMENT.--THE COMMISSION SHALL:
(1) CONDUCT THE STUDY BY REVIEWING THE FOLLOWING:
(I) STRATEGIES DEVELOPED AND UTILIZED BY AGENCIES AND BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT THIS COMMONWEALTH FOR DEALING WITH DISASTER EMERGENCIES UNDER THE ALL-HAZARDS PREPAREDNESS STANDARDS PROVIDED BY NIMS.
(II) SECURITY MEASURES AND RESPONSE PLANS IN PLACE FOR CRITICAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE SUCH AS BRIDGES, ROADS, POWER STATIONS, AIRPORTS, DOCKYARDS AND OTHER CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE.
(III) IN CONSULTATION WITH PEMA, THE OVERALL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM PLAN FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH IN ACCORDANCE WITH NIMS STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES.
(IV) THE LEVEL OF TRAINING REQUIRED AND COMPETENCY AMONG PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1 STAFF, INCLUDING CURRENT OPERATIONS CONDUCTED BY PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1.
(V) THE CURRENT CAPABILITIES OF PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1 AND THE COMMONWEALTH'S REGIONAL TASK FORCES RELATED TO EXTRACTION FROM DAMAGED OR COLLAPSED STRUCTURES IN THIS COMMONWEALTH.
(VI) THE STATUS OF PROTOCOLS AND CAPABILITIES OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CARE PROVIDED BY AND TO TASK FORCES FOR ENTRAPPED SURVIVORS, TASK FORCE PERSONNEL AND 20230SB0792PN1358 - 7 - OTHERS.
THE ASSESSMENT SHALL INCLUDE CANINE SEARCH CAPABILITY, READINESS AND CARE.
(VII) PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1'S RECONNAISSANCE CAPABILITIES REGARDING DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, MISSION READINESS AND RESOURCE NEEDS.
(VIII) PEMA'S PROTOCOLS AND COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITIES BETWEEN PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1, THIS COMMONWEALTH'S CURRENT REGIONAL TASK FORCES AND LOCAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL, SUCH AS FIRE COMPANIES, EMS AGENCIES AND STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT, AS WELL AS FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS REGARDING THEIR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS.
(IX) THE CURRENT PROTOCOLS, CAPABILITIES OR NEEDS FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SURVEYS, EXTRACTION AND CLEANUP.
(X) PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1'S AND THIS COMMONWEALTH'S REGIONAL TASK FORCES' CAPABILITIES REGARDING STRUCTURAL STABILIZATION AS WELL AS SHORING AND CRIBBING OPERATIONS TO DAMAGED BUILDINGS.
(XI) THE CURRENT PROTOCOLS AND CAPABILITIES OF PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1'S AQUATIC AND AERIAL OPERATIONS.
(2) REVIEW, ASSESS, INVENTORY AND CATALOG EQUIPMENT POSSESSED BY PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1 AND EACH OTHER REGIONAL TASK FORCE IN THIS COMMONWEALTH.
(3) CONDUCT A MONETARY ASSESSMENT TO IDENTIFY AND QUANTIFY THE FUNDING IMPACTS OF PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1 AND THE REGIONAL TASK FORCE SYSTEM, AS WELL AS THE FUNDING IMPACT AND NEEDS OF CREATING AN ADDITIONAL FEMA LEVEL 1 THROUGH 4 TASK FORCE IN THIS COMMONWEALTH.
(D) URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE.--THE COMMISSION SHALL EXAMINE 20230SB0792PN1358 - 8 - EACH OF THE COMPONENT PARTS OF THE URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM IN THIS COMMONWEALTH, INCLUDING PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1, ACCORDING TO THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE NATIONAL URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE RESPONSE SYSTEM.
THE JOINT STATE GOVERNMENT COMMISSION SHALL EXAMINE THE CAPABILITY OF THE CURRENT URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM IN THIS COMMONWEALTH TO MEET THE CHALLENGES THAT THE CURRENT SYSTEM FACES.
(E) REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS.--IN DEVELOPING A REPORT AS REQUIRED UNDER THIS SECTION, THE COMMISSION SHALL IDENTIFY GAPS IN THE SYSTEM AND DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADDRESS THE GAPS.
THE INFORMATION SHALL INCLUDE THE IDENTIFICATION OF RESOURCES NECESSARY TO ADDRESS GAPS AND SHALL INCLUDE THE IDENTIFICATION OF AREAS OR REGIONS IN THIS COMMONWEALTH THAT LACK RESOURCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE NATIONAL URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE RESPONSE SYSTEM.
(F) TIME.--THE JOINT STATE GOVERNMENT COMMISSION SHALL SUBMIT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY A REPORT OF ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BY NOVEMBER 30, 2024, OR 180 DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SUBSECTION, WHICHEVER IS LATER.
7218.
20230SB0792PN1358 - 9 - 7218.
(1) Define the necessary components and composition of regional counterterrorism task forces and specialized regional counterterrorism response teams and the respective regional counterterrorism zones for each, but shall not be responsible for appointing individual members to the regional counterterrorism task forces or the specialized regional 20230SB0792PN0919 - 5 - counterterrorism response teams.
(1) Define the necessary components and composition of regional counterterrorism task forces and specialized regional counterterrorism response teams and the respective regional counterterrorism zones for each, but shall not be responsible for appointing individual members to the regional counterterrorism task forces or the specialized regional counterterrorism response teams.
The agency shall consult with representatives of the regional counterterrorism task forces to develop such policies and guidelines necessary to carry out this chapter.
The agency shall consult with representatives of the regional counterterrorism task 20230SB0792PN1358 - 10 - forces to develop such policies and guidelines necessary to carry out this chapter.
(a) Establishment.--The agency, in coordination with State, 20230SB0792PN0919 - 6 - county and municipal emergency management, health, law enforcement, public safety and other officials and representatives from volunteer service organizations, private business and industry, hospitals and medical care facilities and other entities responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the residents of this Commonwealth, shall establish regional counterterrorism task forces throughout this Commonwealth.
(a) Establishment.--The agency, in coordination with State, county and municipal emergency management, health, law enforcement, public safety and other officials and representatives from volunteer service organizations, private business and industry, hospitals and medical care facilities and other entities responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the residents of this Commonwealth, shall establish regional counterterrorism task forces throughout this Commonwealth.
The task force shall review and update the plan on an annual basis.
20230SB0792PN1358 - 11 - The task force shall review and update the plan on an annual basis.
20230SB0792PN0919 - 7 - (c) Activation and deployment.--A specialized regional counterterrorism response team may be activated and deployed inside or outside this Commonwealth by the Governor, the Governor's designee or an official designated by the appropriate regional counterterrorism task force.
(c) Activation and deployment.--A specialized regional counterterrorism response team may be activated and deployed inside or outside this Commonwealth by the Governor, the <-- Governor's designee or an official designated by the appropriate regional counterterrorism task force.
(a) Establishment.--The agency shall establish urban search and rescue task forces, including:
(a) Establishment.--The agency shall establish urban search <-- and rescue task forces, including:
(1) At least one urban search and rescue task force organized by the Commonwealth within a regional counterterrorism task force covering a county of the first class that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of a Type 1 urban search and rescue task force as designated by FEMA in the NIMS guidelines.
(1) At least one urban search and rescue task force organized by the Commonwealth within a regional counterterrorism task force covering a county of the first class that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of a 20230SB0792PN1358 - 12 - Type 1 urban search and rescue task force as designated by FEMA in the NIMS guidelines.
(A) ESTABLISHMENT.-- <-- (1) THE AGENCY SHALL ESTABLISH URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TASK FORCES, INCLUDING:
(I) AT LEAST ONE URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TASK FORCE THAT:
(A) IS ORGANIZED BY THE COMMONWEALTH WITHIN A REGIONAL COUNTERTERRORISM TASK FORCE COVERING A COUNTY OF THE FIRST CLASS PURSUANT TO A CONTRACT WITH A SPONSORING AGENCY;
AND (B) MEETS OR EXCEEDS THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF A TYPE 1 URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TASK FORCE AS DESIGNATED BY FEMA IN THE NIMS GUIDELINES, AS CERTIFIED BY THE AGENCY.
(II) NO MORE THAN ONE URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TASK FORCE THAT:
(A) IS ORGANIZED WITHIN THE COMMONWEALTH WITHIN A REGIONAL COUNTERTERRORISM TASK FORCE PURSUANT TO A CONTRACT WITH A SPONSORING AGENCY;
AND (B) PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE SERVICES TO ALL AREAS OF THIS COMMONWEALTH AS 20230SB0792PN1358 - 13 - DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE AGENCY.
(III) AT LEAST ONE URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TASK FORCE THAT:
(A) IS ORGANIZED BY THE COMMONWEALTH WITHIN A REGIONAL COUNTERTERRORISM TASK FORCE COVERING A COUNTY OF THE SECOND CLASS;
AND (B) BY JANUARY 1, 2026, OR 18 MONTHS AFTER THE AGENCY CONTRACTS WITH A SPONSORING AGENCY, WHICHEVER IS LATER, MEETS OR EXCEEDS THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF A TYPE 3 URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TASK FORCE AS DESIGNATED BY FEMA IN THE NIMS GUIDELINES, AS CERTIFIED BY THE AGENCY.
(2) THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (1)(I) MAY BE SATISFIED BY THE OPERATION OF AN URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
(3) NOTHING IN PARAGRAPH (1) SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO REQUIRE AN URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TASK FORCE TO BE ESTABLISHED IN ANY REGIONAL COUNTERTERRORISM TASK FORCE.
20230SB0792PN0919 - 8 - (d) Responsibilities.--An urban search and rescue task force shall respond to actual or potential disasters in this Commonwealth and shall also perform search and rescue functions as delineated in The Robert T.
(d) Responsibilities.--An urban search and rescue task force shall respond to actual or potential disasters in this Commonwealth and shall also perform search and rescue functions as delineated in The Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 93-288, 42 U.S.C.
Stafford Disaster Relief and 20230SB0792PN1358 - 14 - Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 93-288, 42 U.S.C.
20230SB0792PN0919 - 9 - (g) Funding, grants and donations.--In addition to money that is provided to a task force under section 7216 (relating to grant program) or the authority of section 1508 of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, the urban search and rescue task force may be eligible to receive grants, donations of equipment and supplies and other funds from any source.
(g) Funding, grants and donations.--In addition to money <-- that is provided to a task force under section 7216 (relating to grant program) or the authority of section 1508 of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, the 20230SB0792PN1358 - 15 - urban search and rescue task force may be eligible to receive grants, donations of equipment and supplies and other funds from any source.
(G) FUNDING, GRANTS AND DONATIONS.-- <-- (1) IN ADDITION TO MONEY THAT IS PROVIDED TO A TASK FORCE UNDER SECTION 7216 (RELATING TO GRANT PROGRAM) OR THE AUTHORITY OF SECTION 1508 OF THE ACT OF APRIL 9, 1929 (P.L.343, NO.176), KNOWN AS THE FISCAL CODE, THE URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TASK FORCE MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE GRANTS, DONATIONS OF EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OTHER FUNDS FROM ANY SOURCE.
(2) AS AN AGENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH, AN URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TASK FORCE OR REGIONAL COUNTERTERRORISM TASK FORCE IS ENTITLED TO TAX-EXEMPT STATUS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
(b) Organization and responsibilities.--Specialized Statewide response teams shall be organized in accordance with guidelines developed by the Commonwealth in consultation with applicable Federal or State agencies.
(b) Organization and responsibilities.--Specialized Statewide response teams shall be organized in accordance with guidelines developed by the Commonwealth in consultation with 20230SB0792PN1358 - 16 - applicable Federal or State agencies.
(a) Authorization.--The agency may make grants to regional 20230SB0792PN0919 - 10 - counterterrorism task forces, specialized regional counterterrorism response teams, specialized Statewide response teams and urban search and rescue task forces to assist them in carrying out this chapter, including entering into letters of agreement or mutual aid agreements or providing mutual aid.
(a) Authorization.--The agency may make grants to regional counterterrorism task forces, specialized regional counterterrorism response teams, specialized Statewide response teams and urban search and rescue task forces to assist them in carrying out this chapter, including entering into letters of agreement or mutual aid agreements or providing mutual aid.
§ 8331 (relating to medical good Samaritan civil immunity), 8332 (relating to emergency response provider and bystander good Samaritan civil immunity) or 8332.4 (relating to volunteer-in- public-service negligence standard) shall apply to a member of a specialized regional counterterrorism response team, an urban search and rescue task force or a specialized Statewide response team and an individual who provides logistical, material or other forms of emergency response support to a team or task force during activation or deployment of a team or task force to a potential or actual disaster or while engaged in a task force or team drill or training exercise.
§ 8331 (relating to medical good Samaritan civil immunity), 8332 (relating to emergency response provider and bystander good Samaritan civil immunity) or 8332.4 (relating to volunteer-in- public-service negligence standard) shall apply to a member of a specialized regional counterterrorism response team, an urban search and rescue task force or a specialized Statewide response team and an individual who provides logistical, material or 20230SB0792PN1358 - 17 - other forms of emergency response support to a team or task force during activation or deployment of a team or task force to a potential or actual disaster or while engaged in a task force or team drill or training exercise.
(b) Effect on workers' compensation premiums.--Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to permit an insurer to raise workers' compensation premiums due to the participation or 20230SB0792PN0919 - 11 - membership of a county, municipality, volunteer service organization, individual or employer on a regional counterterrorism task force, specialized regional counterterrorism response team, specialized Statewide response team or urban search and rescue task force.
(b) Effect on workers' compensation premiums.--Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to permit an insurer to raise workers' compensation premiums due to the participation or membership of a county, municipality, volunteer service organization, individual or employer on a regional counterterrorism task force, specialized regional counterterrorism response team, specialized Statewide response team or urban search and rescue task force.
§ 7605.
20230SB0792PN1358 - 18 - § 7605.
For purposes of Article VI of the compact, the term "officers or employees of a party state" shall be construed to include urban search and rescue task forces as defined in section 7202 (relating to definitions) that are assets of the Federal Emergency Management Agency or Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the components, subgroups and regional elements of 20230SB0792PN0919 - 12 - the task forces based in this Commonwealth.
For purposes of Article VI of the compact, the term "officers or employees of a party state" shall be construed to include urban search and rescue task forces as defined in section 7202 (relating to definitions) that are assets of the Federal Emergency Management Agency or Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the components, subgroups and regional elements of the task forces based in this Commonwealth.
Orders, regulations, rules and decisions which were made under Chapter 2 of the Counterterrorism Planning, Preparedness and Response Act and which are in effect on the effective date of this section shall remain in full force and effect until revoked, vacated or modified under 35 Pa.C.S.
Orders, regulations, rules and decisions which were made under Chapter 2 of the Counterterrorism Planning, Preparedness and Response Act and 20230SB0792PN1358 - 19 - which are in effect on the effective date of this section shall remain in full force and effect until revoked, vacated or modified under 35 Pa.C.S.
Contracts, obligations and collective bargaining agreements entered into under Chapter 2 of the Counterterrorism Planning, Preparedness and Response Act are not affected nor impaired by the repeal of Chapter 2 of the Counterterrorism Planning, Preparedness and 20230SB0792PN0919 - 13 - Response Act.
Contracts, obligations and collective bargaining agreements entered into under Chapter 2 of the Counterterrorism Planning, Preparedness and Response Act are not affected nor impaired by the repeal of Chapter 2 of the Counterterrorism Planning, Preparedness and Response Act.
(i) The definitions of "NIMS" and "urban search and rescue task force" in 35 Pa.C.S.
(i) The definitions of "NIMS" "COMMISSION," <-- "DISASTER MORTUARY RESPONSE TEAM," "NIMS," "PEMA," "SPONSORING AGENCY" and "urban search and rescue task force" in 35 Pa.C.S.
(ii) 35 Pa.C.S.
(I.1) 35 PA.C.S.
§ 7203.
<-- (ii) 35 Pa.C.S.
20230SB0792PN0919 - 14 -
20230SB0792PN1358 - 20 -
⬇ Download PDF
View plain text versions (2)

Amendments

1 amendment

Click Show changes on an amendment above to see how it modifies the bill.

Action History

  1. Referred to Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness

  2. Third consideration and final passage

  3. Re-reported as committed

  4. Re-referred to Appropriations

  5. Second consideration, with amendments

  6. Removed from table

  7. Laid on the table (Pursuant to Senate Rule 9)

  8. First consideration

  9. Reported as committed

  10. Referred to Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

1 sponsors · 11 co-sponsors · 241 not signed on · 2 voted No

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (11)

Not signed on (241)

241 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 241 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Committee vote (Appropriations): Re-Reported as Committed

Passed 24 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Unaffiliated 1000
Republican 14000
Democratic 9000
Total 24000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (24)
Member Party Vote
Ryan Aument — Yea
Art Haywood Democratic Yea
Jay Costa Democratic Yea
Judith L. Schwank Democratic Yea
Nick Miller Democratic Yea
Nikil Saval Democratic Yea
Sharif Street Democratic Yea
Steven J. Santarsiero Democratic Yea
Timothy P. Kearney Democratic Yea
Vincent J. Hughes Democratic Yea
Cris Dush Republican Yea
Devlin J. Robinson Republican Yea
Elder A. Vogel Republican Yea
Frank A. Farry Republican Yea
Greg Rothman Republican Yea
Joe Pittman Republican Yea
Kim L. Ward Republican Yea
Kristin Phillips-Hill Republican Yea
Lynda Schlegel Culver Republican Yea
Patrick J. Stefano Republican Yea
Rosemary M. Brown Republican Yea
Scott Martin Republican Yea
Tracy Pennycuick Republican Yea
Wayne Langerholc Republican Yea

Official roll call →

FINAL PASSAGE

Passed 49 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 25000
Unaffiliated 5001
Democratic 19000
Total 49001
% of votes cast 98%0%0%2%
How each member voted (50)
Member Party Vote
Ryan Aument — Yea
James Brewster — Yea
Jimmy Dillon — Yea
John Disanto — Not Voting
Mike Regan — Yea
Anthony Williams — Yea
Amanda M. Cappelletti Democratic Yea
Art Haywood Democratic Yea
Carolyn T. Comitta Democratic Yea
Christine M. Tartaglione Democratic Yea
Jay Costa Democratic Yea
John I. Kane Democratic Yea
Judith L. Schwank Democratic Yea
Katie J. Muth Democratic Yea
Lindsey M. Williams Democratic Yea
Lisa M. Boscola Democratic Yea
Maria Collett Democratic Yea
Marty Flynn Democratic Yea
Nick Miller Democratic Yea
Nikil Saval Democratic Yea
Sharif Street Democratic Yea
Steven J. Santarsiero Democratic Yea
Timothy P. Kearney Democratic Yea
Vincent J. Hughes Democratic Yea
Wayne D. Fontana Democratic Yea
Camera Bartolotta Republican Yea
Chris Gebhard Republican Yea
Cris Dush Republican Yea
Daniel Laughlin Republican Yea
David G. Argall Republican Yea
Devlin J. Robinson Republican Yea
Doug Mastriano Republican Yea
Elder A. Vogel Republican Yea
Frank A. Farry Republican Yea
Gene Yaw Republican Yea
Greg Rothman Republican Yea
Jarrett Coleman Republican Yea
Joe Pittman Republican Yea
Judy Ward Republican Yea
Kim L. Ward Republican Yea
Kristin Phillips-Hill Republican Yea
Lisa Baker Republican Yea
Lynda Schlegel Culver Republican Yea
Michele Brooks Republican Yea
Patrick J. Stefano Republican Yea
Rosemary M. Brown Republican Yea
Scott E. Hutchinson Republican Yea
Scott Martin Republican Yea
Tracy Pennycuick Republican Yea
Wayne Langerholc Republican Yea

Official roll call →

ROBINSON AMENDMENT NO. A-3452

Passed 46 Yea · 2 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 25000
Unaffiliated 4101
Democratic 17101
Total 46202
% of votes cast 92%4%0%4%
How each member voted (50)
Member Party Vote
Ryan Aument — Yea
James Brewster — Yea
Jimmy Dillon — Nay
John Disanto — Not Voting
Mike Regan — Yea
Anthony Williams — Yea
Amanda M. Cappelletti Democratic Yea
Art Haywood Democratic Yea
Carolyn T. Comitta Democratic Yea
Christine M. Tartaglione Democratic Nay
Jay Costa Democratic Yea
John I. Kane Democratic Not Voting
Judith L. Schwank Democratic Yea
Katie J. Muth Democratic Yea
Lindsey M. Williams Democratic Yea
Lisa M. Boscola Democratic Yea
Maria Collett Democratic Yea
Marty Flynn Democratic Yea
Nick Miller Democratic Yea
Nikil Saval Democratic Yea
Sharif Street Democratic Yea
Steven J. Santarsiero Democratic Yea
Timothy P. Kearney Democratic Yea
Vincent J. Hughes Democratic Yea
Wayne D. Fontana Democratic Yea
Camera Bartolotta Republican Yea
Chris Gebhard Republican Yea
Cris Dush Republican Yea
Daniel Laughlin Republican Yea
David G. Argall Republican Yea
Devlin J. Robinson Republican Yea
Doug Mastriano Republican Yea
Elder A. Vogel Republican Yea
Frank A. Farry Republican Yea
Gene Yaw Republican Yea
Greg Rothman Republican Yea
Jarrett Coleman Republican Yea
Joe Pittman Republican Yea
Judy Ward Republican Yea
Kim L. Ward Republican Yea
Kristin Phillips-Hill Republican Yea
Lisa Baker Republican Yea
Lynda Schlegel Culver Republican Yea
Michele Brooks Republican Yea
Patrick J. Stefano Republican Yea
Rosemary M. Brown Republican Yea
Scott E. Hutchinson Republican Yea
Scott Martin Republican Yea
Tracy Pennycuick Republican Yea
Wayne Langerholc Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Committee vote (Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness): Reported as Committed

Passed 8 Yea · 2 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 6100
Democratic 2100
Total 8200
% of votes cast 80%20%0%0%
How each member voted (10)
Member Party Vote
Christine M. Tartaglione Democratic Nay
John I. Kane Democratic Yea
Lindsey M. Williams Democratic Yea
Camera Bartolotta Republican Yea
Cris Dush Republican Nay
Doug Mastriano Republican Yea
Kim L. Ward Republican Yea
Michele Brooks Republican Yea
Tracy Pennycuick Republican Yea
Wayne Langerholc Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

public-safety health-insurance
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 792?
SB 792 is sponsored by Devlin J. Robinson (Republican), Jay Costa (Democratic), Lindsey M. Williams (Democratic), Wayne D. Fontana (Democratic), Elder A. Vogel (Republican), Wayne Langerholc (Republican), Nick Miller (Democratic), James Brewster, Camera Bartolotta (Republican), Michele Brooks (Republican), Doug Mastriano (Republican), and Katie J. Muth (Democratic).
What is the current status of SB 792?
This bill died with 2023-2024 Regular Session. It reached “Passed Senate” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track SB 792?
Track SB 792 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

Make your voice heard on SB 792

Find the representatives who decide this bill and tell them where you stand — for yourself, or mobilize your whole list in one click with One Click Politics advocacy software.

Find my representatives → Run a campaign

Stay ahead of SB 792

Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

One Click Politics tracks every bill in Congress and all 50 states.

Track this bill →