HB 2385 — An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in miscellaneous provisions relating to emergency management services, providing for minors serving in volunteer emergency service organizations; making a repeal; and making an editorial change.

Bill Text

• Printer's No. PN3199 View text Current pdf

Compared against the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

• 35 Pa.C.S. § 8112.1(a)(3)

  section 7 of the act of October 24, 2012 (P.L.1209, No.151), known as the Child Labor Act. → section 7715 (relating to minors serving in volunteer emergency service organizations).

  This change substitutes the reference to the outdated Child Labor Act with the new section on minors in emergency services.

• 35 Pa.C.S. § 7715

  § 7715. Minors serving in volunteer emergency service organizations.

  This introduces a new section that provides specific limitations and regulations for minors serving in emergency service organizations.

• 35 Pa.C.S. § 7715(a)(1)(v)

  A minor may not enter a burning structure under any circumstance except when engaged in a training session for an interior firefighting module with live burns and all of the following apply:

  Allows minors under certain conditions to enter burning structures during training.

• 35 Pa.C.S. § 7715(a)(1)(vi)

  A minor may not engage in firefighting activities unless all of the following apply: (A) The minor is 16 years of age or older. (B) The minor has successfully completed a course of training equal to the standards for basic firefighting established by the State Fire Commissioner. (C) The minor is under the direct supervision and control of the fire chief, an experienced line officer or a designated forest fire warden.

  Sets requirements for minors to engage in firefighting activities.

• 35 Pa.C.S. § 7715(a)(2)

  In addition to the limitations under paragraph (1), the activities of individuals over 13 years of age and under 16 years of age shall be further limited as follows:

  Specifies additional activity restrictions for individuals aged 13 to 15 in emergency services.

• 35 Pa.C.S. § 7715(b)(1)

  The State Fire Commissioner, in consultation with the State Fire Advisory Board, may prohibit other activities that the State Fire Commissioner deems hazardous to the health of minors through regulation.

  Grants regulatory authority to the State Fire Commissioner regarding minor's activities.

• 35 Pa.C.S. § 7715(c)(2)

  A minor may continue serving in answer to a fire call until excused by the individual acting as chief of the fire company if the minor: (i) is 16 years of age or older; (ii) is a member of a volunteer fire company; and (iii) answers a fire call while lawfully employed.

  Allows certain minors to respond to fire calls under specified conditions.

• 35 Pa.C.S. § 7715(d)

  As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Minor." An individual under 18 years of age. "Volunteer emergency service organization." A volunteer fire company, volunteer ambulance organization, volunteer rescue organization, volunteer forest firefighting organization or volunteer organization of emergency service personnel who are expected to respond to medical emergencies or large-scale disasters.

  Defines terms relevant to the new section on minors in volunteer emergency services.

• This act shall take effect in one year.

  Specifies the effective date for the new legislation.

• 35 Pa.C.S. § 7715(a)(1)

  A minor may not operate a truck, ambulance or other official fire vehicle.

  Prohibits minors from operating official emergency vehicles.

• 35 Pa.C.S. § 7715(a)(1)(i)

  A minor may not operate a truck, ambulance or other official fire vehicle.

  Reiterates the prohibition on minors operating emergency vehicles.

• 35 Pa.C.S. § 7715(a)(2)(C)

  Cleanup service at the scene of a fire, outside the structure and after the fire has been declared by the fire official in charge to be under control.

  Allows restricted cleanup activities for minors after a fire.

• 35 Pa.C.S. § 7715(a)(2)(F)

  Serving food and beverages.

  Permits minors to serve food and beverages during emergency operations.

Action History

1. April 15, 2026

   Referred to Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness

Sponsors

• Michael Stender · Primary
• Martin T. Causer · Cosponsor
• Justin C. Fleming · Cosponsor
• Dallas Kephart · Cosponsor
• Andrew Kuzma · Cosponsor
• Dane Watro · Cosponsor

Subjects