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PENNSYLVANIA

LAWS RELATING TO EMERGENCY

SERVICES

For distribution by the

Members of the General Assembly

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA Revised February 14, 2020

PREPARED BY

Legislative Reference Bureau Editing and Publishing Office

INTRODUCTION

The laws of Pennsylvania relating to emergency services were originally compiled

by the Legislative Reference Bureau primarily for distribution by members of the General

Assembly. This edition updates the original compilation through Act 118 of 2019.

This compilation is unofficial and includes only portions of the Constitution of

Pennsylvania and the statutes of this Commonwealth. While every effort has been made

to identify all relevant material within the scope of this publication, it is possible that some

provisions have been omitted either intentionally or inadvertently.

In general, the statutes are included verbatim. Editorial additions are indicated by

brackets; the omission of parts of sections not relevant to the compilation are indicated

by the use of “* * *”.

The appropriate printed statutes should be consulted for official purposes. Official

versions of statutes are published in the Laws of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania

Consolidated Statutes. The legal citation for each section appears at the end of the

section. A comprehensive list of all legal citations can be found at the end of the

compilation.

This compilation is the result of a search of the database for statutes pertaining to

emergency services. The terms used in the search for applicable statutes included the

singular and plural of the following terms: fire, firemen, firefighter, ambulance, rescue, fire

marshal, fire police, emergency.

This publication may be reprinted without obtaining specific permission from the

Legislative Reference Bureau.

Editing and Publishing Office

Legislative Reference Bureau

Table of ContentsPART I. COMMONWEALTH AGENCIES.....................................................................25

Chapter 1. Department of Agriculture........................................................................25

Farm Safety and Occupational Health Advisory Board.....................................25Farm Safety and Occupational Health Program................................................25Duties of secretary [of Agriculture].....................................................................25Financial assistance...........................................................................................26Applicability........................................................................................................26Exemptions [relating to food employee certification under Agriculture Code]...27

Chapter 2. Attorney General......................................................................................27

Definitions [relating to arson reporting immunity]..............................................27Enforcement.......................................................................................................27

Chapter 3. Auditor General........................................................................................27

[Audit].................................................................................................................27[Collection of accounts]......................................................................................28[Duties of Auditor General].................................................................................28[Compensation of persons killed and injured while fighting forest fires]............28Revision of financing from State revenue sources; General Municipal Pension System State Aid Program.................................................................................28Use of foreign fire insurance tax moneys..........................................................29Reimbursement by Commonwealth for special 1989 ad hoc adjustment [under Special Ad Hoc Police and Firefighter Postretirement Adjustment Act].............29Reimbursement by Commonwealth for 2002 special ad hoc adjustment [under Special Ad Hoc Police and Firefighter Postretirement Adjustment Act].............30Special account created.....................................................................................30Municipal retirement system certification of adjustments paid and of reimbursable amounts.......................................................................................30Commonwealth disbursement of reimbursement payment...............................30Administration by Auditor General.....................................................................31Support of emergency medical services............................................................31

Chapter 4. Department of Community and Economic Development........................31

Department of Community and Economic Development .................................31Department of Community and Economic Development..................................31[Actuarial investigation]......................................................................................32[Report]..............................................................................................................32[Powers of department]......................................................................................32[Completion of actuary study;costs]...................................................................32Requirement to file actuarial valuation report or experience investigation........32Departmental [Department of Community and Economic Development] duties..................................................................................................................33

Chapter 5. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.............................33

Subchapter A. Fire Wardens.................................................................................33[Fire wardens]....................................................................................................33[Chief fire warden and deputy chief fire warden]...............................................33[District fire warden]...........................................................................................34[Badge of authority for fire wardens and assistants]..........................................34

PENNSYLVANIA LAWS RELATING TO EMERGENCY SERVICES

[Duties; compensation]......................................................................................34[Powers].............................................................................................................34[Assistant fire wardens]......................................................................................34[Investigation and reports]..................................................................................35[Audit].................................................................................................................35[Power to enter other jurisdictions]....................................................................35[Service in two or more counties].......................................................................35[Disability or absence of fire warden].................................................................35[Compensation of persons not employed by fire warden; prosecution]............36[Liability].............................................................................................................36[Appeals relating to compensation]....................................................................36[Daily patrol during fire season].........................................................................36[Powers of arrest]...............................................................................................37Duties [of chief forest fire warden].....................................................................37[Special and ex-officio forest fire wardens]........................................................37[Foresters and rangers]......................................................................................37[Compensation]..................................................................................................38[Power to employ others and compel attendance]............................................38[Power to administer oath].................................................................................38[Entry].................................................................................................................38[Power to arrest].................................................................................................38[Liability].............................................................................................................38

Subchapter B. Forest Protection...........................................................................38[Cooperative agreements and expenditure]......................................................38[Reporting]..........................................................................................................39[Organization of mutual forest fire protective association].................................39[Bureau established]..........................................................................................39Forest Fire-fighters.............................................................................................39Appeal to the Commissioner of Forestry [now the Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources].....................................................................................39Land Owners......................................................................................................39[Expenses].........................................................................................................40[Billing]................................................................................................................40[Duties of Auditor General].................................................................................40

Subchapter C. Interstate Forest Fire Protection...................................................40[Interstate forest fire protection compact]..........................................................40[Effect]................................................................................................................42[Administration]..................................................................................................42[Interstate cooperation in forest fire protection].................................................42[Duties relating to interstate fire protection].......................................................43[Supervision of Commonwealth employees].....................................................43[Travel expenses of Commonwealth employees]..............................................43[Reimbursing employees of other jurisdictions].................................................43

Subchapter D. Miscellaneous Provisions..............................................................43[Rewards]...........................................................................................................43[Commonwealth reimbursement].......................................................................44[Claims against Commonwealth].......................................................................44[Findings; compensation]...................................................................................44[Liability for expenses of forest fire]...................................................................44[Legal action]......................................................................................................44["Forest fire"]......................................................................................................44Restricted receipt accounts................................................................................45Restricted receipt accounts................................................................................45[Lease or sale of telephone lines]......................................................................45Forests...............................................................................................................45Prescribed burn plan..........................................................................................47

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Chapter 6. Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs............................................47

Powers and duties [of Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs]..................47Establishment of Methadone Death and Incident Review Team.......................48Review procedures............................................................................................48

Chapter 7. Department of Environmental Protection................................................48

Regulations for Operational Provisions.............................................................48Registration [of underground storage tanks].....................................................48Permits and plans..............................................................................................48Certified hazardous material response teams...................................................49[Mine Families First Response and Communication] Advisory council.............50

Chapter 8. Department of General Services.............................................................51

Department of General Services.......................................................................51Department of General Services.......................................................................51Department of General Services.......................................................................51Department of General Services.......................................................................51Department of General Services.......................................................................51Designation of area as "Emergency Responder Plaza."...................................51Duties of Department of General Services........................................................51

Chapter 9. Governor..................................................................................................52

Subchapter A. General Duties...............................................................................52[Funds allocated to repair or replace equipment and facilities].........................52[Limitation on use of funds]................................................................................52Duties concerning disaster prevention...............................................................52

Subchapter B. Disaster Emergencies...................................................................52General authority of Governor...........................................................................52Temporary housing............................................................................................53Debris and wreckage removal...........................................................................54Community disaster loans..................................................................................55Individual and family assistance........................................................................55Grants for hazard mitigation..............................................................................55Appropriation of Federal funds..........................................................................56Laws suspended during emergency assignments.............................................56

Subchapter C. Emergency Management Assistance Compact............................56Compact enacted...............................................................................................56Exercise of powers and duties...........................................................................59Mutual agreements............................................................................................60Budgetary considerations..................................................................................60

Chapter 10. Department of Health............................................................................60

Subchapter A. Coal Mine Emergencies................................................................60Definitions [relating to coal mine emergency medical personnel].....................60Emergency Medical Personnel in Coal Mines...................................................60Regulations for Training and Certification..........................................................61First-aid Training of Coal Mine Employees........................................................61Continuing Training............................................................................................62Certification........................................................................................................62Definitions [relating to bituminous coal mine safety]..........................................62Emergency medical personnel..........................................................................62Certification........................................................................................................63

Page 3 Rev. 2/14/20


Liability................................................................................................................63Equivalent training.............................................................................................63

Subchapter B. Emergency Medical Services System...........................................63Block grants.......................................................................................................63Short title [of Stroke System of Care Act]..........................................................63Definitions [relating to stroke system of care]....................................................64Emergency medical services.............................................................................64Biennial report....................................................................................................64Short title of chapter [35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 81 (relating to emergency medical services system)]...............................................................................................64Declaration of policy...........................................................................................65Definitions [relating to emergency medical services system]............................65Emergency medical services system programs................................................69Duties of department [of Health]........................................................................70Emergency medical services patient care reports.............................................71Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation......................................................72Accreditation of trauma centers.........................................................................73State Advisory Board.........................................................................................74Regional emergency medical services councils................................................75Comprehensive plan..........................................................................................76Contracts and grants..........................................................................................76Emergency medical services providers.............................................................78Emergency medical responders........................................................................81Emergency medical technicians........................................................................82Advanced emergency medical technicians.......................................................83Paramedics........................................................................................................84Prehospital registered nurses............................................................................85Prehospital physician extenders........................................................................85Prehospital emergency medical services physicians........................................86Certification sanctions........................................................................................87Emergency medical services vehicle operators................................................89Suspension of certification.................................................................................90Emergency medical services instructors...........................................................91Medical director of emergency medical services agency..................................92Medical command physicians and facility medical directors.............................93Medical command facilities................................................................................96Receiving facilities.............................................................................................97Emergency medical services agencies..............................................................97Advanced life support ambulances..................................................................100Air ambulances................................................................................................100Advanced life support squad vehicles.............................................................101Basic life support ambulances.........................................................................101Basic life support squad vehicles.....................................................................101Quick response services..................................................................................102Special operations emergency medical services.............................................102First aid and other services..............................................................................102Other vehicles and services.............................................................................103Stretcher and wheelchair vehicles...................................................................103Conditional temporary licenses........................................................................103Plans of correction...........................................................................................103Emergency medical services agency license sanctions..................................104Limitations on liability.......................................................................................105Peer review......................................................................................................106Support of emergency medical services..........................................................106Prohibited acts.................................................................................................107Surrender of license, accreditation or certification...........................................107Penalties..........................................................................................................107

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Adjudications and judicial review.....................................................................107Subchapter C. Advance Health Care Directives and Out-of-Hospital Nonresuscitation Orders......................................................................................108

Applicability......................................................................................................108Definitions [relating to health care]..................................................................108Compliance......................................................................................................109Death not suicide or homicide.........................................................................109Liability.............................................................................................................109Criminal penalties.............................................................................................110When living will operative.................................................................................110Revocation........................................................................................................111Emergency medical services............................................................................111Countermand....................................................................................................111Revocation........................................................................................................111Decisions by health care representative..........................................................112Duties of attending physician and health care provider...................................112Effect on other State law..................................................................................113Short title of subchapter [20 Pa.C.S. Ch. 54 Subch. E (relating to out-of-hospital nonresuscitation)].............................................................................................113Definitions [relating to out-of-hospital nonresuscitation]..................................113Orders, bracelets and necklaces.....................................................................114Revocation.......................................................................................................115Emergency medical services...........................................................................115

Subchapter D. Miscellaneous Provisions............................................................116Emergency Drug and Alcohol Detoxification Program.....................................116Administration of Epinephrine Auto-injectors by School Bus Drivers and School Crossing Guards..............................................................................................116Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Education......................................................116Definitions.........................................................................................................117Drug Overdose Medication..............................................................................118Definitions [relating to opioid treatment agreements]......................................118Procedure [opioid treatment]............................................................................119

Chapter 11. Insurance Department.........................................................................119

Revocation, etc., of license..............................................................................119

Chapter 12. Department of Labor and Industry.......................................................119

Enforcement [of Fire and Panic Act]................................................................119Inspection and Administration..........................................................................119Hazardous substance list.................................................................................120Risk to public health.........................................................................................121Transfer of functions [relating to combustible or flammable liquids]................121Regulations [relating to combustible or flammable liquids].............................121Definitions [relating to Child Labor Act]............................................................121Minors serving in volunteer emergency service organizations........................121

Chapter 13. Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.................................122

Subchapter A. General Provisions......................................................................122Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.............................................122Restricted receipt accounts.............................................................................122Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.............................................123Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.............................................123Restricted receipt accounts.............................................................................123Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.............................................123

Page 5 Rev. 2/14/20


Restricted receipt accounts.............................................................................123Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.............................................123Restricted receipt accounts.............................................................................124Definitions [relating to farm safety and occupational health]...........................124Rescue equipment loans [under the Farm Safety and Occupational HealthAct]...................................................................................................................124Definitions [relating to emergency management services]..............................124Purposes of part [35 Pa.C.S. Pt. V (relating to emergency management services)]..........................................................................................................126Limitations........................................................................................................126Creation [of Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency]........................127Organization [of Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency].................127Powers and duties [of Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency]........128Utilization of existing services and facilities.....................................................130Radiological emergency response preparedness, planning and recovery program............................................................................................................130Unconventional well 911 emergency response information............................131Purpose of subchapter [35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 73 Subch. C (relating to intrastate mutual aid)]......................................................................................................132Definitions [relating to intrastate mutual aid]....................................................132Intrastate Mutual Aid Committee......................................................................133[Intrastate mutual aid] System.........................................................................134Assistance........................................................................................................134License, certificate and permit portability.........................................................135Insurance.........................................................................................................135Workers' compensation....................................................................................135Immunity...........................................................................................................136Effect on other agreements..............................................................................136Distribution of [unconventional gas well] fee...................................................136

Subchapter B. Radiation Protection....................................................................136Nuclear facility and transport fees...................................................................136Creation of special funds.................................................................................137Response program..........................................................................................138Radiation Transportation Emergency Response Plan.....................................138

Subchapter C. Hazardous Materials...................................................................138Short title [of Hazardous Material Emergency Planning and Response Act]. .138Legislative findings and purpose.....................................................................139Definitions [relating to hazardous material emergency planning andresponse].........................................................................................................139Designation and functions of Pennsylvania Emergency ManagementCouncil.............................................................................................................140Establishment of emergency planning districts...............................................142Establishment and functions of local emergency planning committees..........142Hazardous material safety program.................................................................144Emergency reporting requirements.................................................................145Emergency notification requirements..............................................................146Establishment of funds.....................................................................................148Emergency management grants......................................................................150Recovery of response costs............................................................................151Facility and vehicle inspection and testing......................................................152Annual report....................................................................................................153

Subchapter D. Interstate Civil Defense Disaster Compact.................................153Interstate civil defense and disaster compact enacted....................................153

Subchapter E. Local Emergency Management Organizations...........................156General authority of political subdivisions.......................................................156Local coordinator of emergency management................................................157Powers and duties of political subdivisions.....................................................158

Page 6 Rev. 2/14/20


Coordination, assistance and mutual aid.........................................................158Subchapter F. Disaster Prevention.....................................................................159

Duties concerning disaster prevention............................................................159Compensation for accidental injury [to emergency management volunteers] 160Short title of chapter [35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 79 (relating to disaster emergency assistance)]......................................................................................................160Legislative purpose..........................................................................................160Definitions [relating to disaster emergency assistance]..................................160Construction.....................................................................................................161Establishment [of Public Disaster Assistance Grant Program]........................161Eligibility [for public disaster assistance grant]................................................161Application for and issuance of grant...............................................................161[Public Disaster Assistance] Grant funds.........................................................162Use of [Public Disaster Assistance] grant funds..............................................162Limitations........................................................................................................162Powers and duties of [Pennsylvania Emergency Management] agency.........162Exemptions from other fees.............................................................................162

Chapter 14. Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency...........................163

Short title [of Police Officer, Firefighter, Correction Employee and National Guard Member Child Beneficiary Education Act]............................................163Definitions [relating to child beneficiary education]..........................................163Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program.................................................163Regulations......................................................................................................165Exclusive source..............................................................................................165Retroactivity......................................................................................................166

Chapter 15. Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.....................................................166

Definitions [relating to Liquor Code].................................................................166Authority to Issue Liquor Licenses to Hotels, Restaurants and Clubs............168Sales by Liquor Licensees; Restrictions..........................................................168Special Occasion Permits................................................................................169Wine and Spirits Auction Permits.....................................................................170Retail Dispensers' Restrictions on Purchases and Sales................................170Breweries.........................................................................................................171

Chapter 16. Pennsylvania National Guard..............................................................171

Active duty for emergency................................................................................171Association group life insurance for Pennsylvania National Guard.................171Tuition waiver for children and spouses of deceased soldiers........................172Employment discrimination for military membership or duty...........................172

Chapter 17. Pennsylvania State Police...................................................................173

[Appointment and removal of assistants].........................................................173[Report to Pennsylvania State Police].............................................................173[Inspection of fire menace or hazard]..............................................................174[Pennsylvania State Police investigation]........................................................175[Compensation of assistants]...........................................................................175[Continuation of rules and regulations]............................................................175Pennsylvania State Police...............................................................................175Designation of emergency vehicles by Pennsylvania State Police.................175

Chapter 18. Department of State............................................................................175

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Definitions [relating to solicitation of funds for charitable purposes]...............175Exemptions from registration [with Department of State]................................176Prohibited acts.................................................................................................176Purposes [of incorporation]..............................................................................176

Chapter 19. State Fire Commissioner.....................................................................177

Exemptions......................................................................................................177Short title [of Cigarette Fire Safety and Firefighter Protection Act]..................177Definitions [relating to cigarette fire safety and firefighter protection].............177Standards for cigarette fire safety....................................................................177Certification of compliance by manufacturers..................................................178Enforcement and penalties..............................................................................178Scope of subchapter [35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 73 Subch. F (relating to state fire commissioner)].................................................................................................179Definitions [relating to State Fire Commissioner]............................................179State Fire Commissioner..................................................................................179Pennsylvania State Fire Academy...................................................................179Pennsylvania Volunteer Loan Assistance Program.........................................180Fire Safety Advisory Committee......................................................................181Appropriations..................................................................................................181Distribution of [Unconventional Gas Well] fee.................................................181

Chapter 20. State Fire Marshal...............................................................................181

Duties of public agencies and officers in reporting criminal statistics.............181Fire protection requirements............................................................................182Dispensing of Class II motor fuels to certain customers.................................182

Chapter 21. State Treasury, Boat Fund...................................................................182

Exemptions......................................................................................................182

Chapter 22. State Treasury, Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund..........182

EMS costs........................................................................................................183Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition............................................................183

Chapter 23. State Treasury, Special Funds............................................................183

Establishment of special funds........................................................................183

Chapter 24. State Treasury, State Gaming Fund....................................................183

Nongaming service provider............................................................................183Local share assessment..................................................................................184Establishment of State Gaming Fund and net slot machine revenue distribution........................................................................................................184Transfers from State Gaming Fund.................................................................184

Chapter 25. Department of Transportation..............................................................185

Authority of department [of Transportation relating to aviation safety]............185Authority of department [of Transportation relating to airports].......................185Persons ineligible for licensing; license issuance to minors; junior driver's license..............................................................................................................185Classes of licenses..........................................................................................185

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Requirement for commercial driver's license...................................................186Exemption of persons, entities and vehicles from fees...................................186[Registration fees for] Ambulances, taxis and hearses...................................187Hazardous Materials Transportation Advisory Committee..............................187

PART II. COMMUNICATIONS.....................................................................................187

Chapter 1. Public Safety Emergency Telephones...................................................187

Billing [payments to EMS agency]...................................................................187Scope of chapter [35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 53 (relating to 911 emergency communication services)]................................................................................189Definitions [relating to 911 emergency communication services]....................189Telecommunications management..................................................................193Counties...........................................................................................................196Pennsylvania State Police...............................................................................197911 system plan...............................................................................................198[911] Fund........................................................................................................198Uniform 911 surcharge.....................................................................................200Payment, collection and remittance of surcharge by providers of 911 communications services.................................................................................201Payment, collection and remittance of surcharge by sellers of prepaid wireless telecommunications service.............................................................................202Telephone records...........................................................................................203Penalty.............................................................................................................203Immunity...........................................................................................................204Prohibition against release of information.......................................................204Rate regulation.................................................................................................205Shared residential MLTS [multiline telephone system] service.......................205Business MLTS [multiline telephone system]..................................................205Shared communications services....................................................................205Temporary residence.......................................................................................205Local notification..............................................................................................205ALI [Automatic location information] database maintenance..........................206Industry standards [for multiline telephone system]........................................206Dialing instructions [for multiline telelphone system].......................................206MLTS [multiline telephone system] signaling...................................................206MLTS [multiline telephone system] operator education...................................206Limitation of liability..........................................................................................206Legislative report [on provision of 911 communications service]....................206§ 5314. Inventory [of public safety answering point facilities]..........................207Termination.......................................................................................................207

Chapter 2. Miscellaneous Provisions......................................................................207

Possession of Telephone Pagers Prohibited...................................................207Appropriations for Police, Fire and other Public Safety Radio and Telecommunications Networks........................................................................207Emergency Medical Personnel in Coal Mines.................................................208Required consent.............................................................................................208Applicability......................................................................................................208At-Risk Elderly Wireless Emergency Telephone Program..............................209Safe harbor.......................................................................................................209Exceptions to prohibition of interception and disclosure of communications.. 209Safe harbor for violation of section 6308(a)[relating to purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages].............210Organization.....................................................................................................210

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Soliciting by first responder organizations.......................................................210Confidential communications involving public safety responders and corrections officers...........................................................................................211Rescue from motor vehicle..............................................................................212

PART III. COUTNERTERRORISM..............................................................................213

Short title [of Counterterrorism Planning, Preparedness and Response Act]. 213Definitions [relating to counterterrorism planning, preparedness andresponse].........................................................................................................213Counterterrorism planning, preparedness and response program.................215Regional counterterrorism task forces.............................................................215Regional counterterrorism response and preparedness.................................216Urban search and rescue task force................................................................216Specialized Statewide response teams...........................................................217Grant program..................................................................................................217Miscellaneous provisions.................................................................................217Commonwealth indemnification.......................................................................218Temporary isolation and quarantine without notice.........................................218Immunity from liability.......................................................................................218

PART IV. EMERGENCY VEHICLES...........................................................................219

[Acquisition and maintenance of ambulances]................................................219[Ambulance service on Pennsylvania Turnpike]..............................................219[Access to Pennsylvania Turnpike]..................................................................219Restrictions on idling........................................................................................219Advanced life support ambulances..................................................................220Air ambulances................................................................................................220Advanced life support [ALS] squad vehicles...................................................220Basic life support [BLS] ambulances...............................................................221Basic life support [BLS] squad vehicles...........................................................221Other vehicles and services.............................................................................222Stretcher and wheelchair vehicles...................................................................222Definitions [relating to vehicles].......................................................................222Duration of perfection [of security interest]......................................................224Vehicles exempt from registration....................................................................224Classes of licenses..........................................................................................224Requirement for commercial driver's license...................................................225Exemptions [relating to motor carriers road tax identification markers]..........226Drivers of emergency vehicles.........................................................................226Drivers in funeral processions.........................................................................227Obedience to traffic-control devices................................................................227Following too closely........................................................................................227Prohibiting use of hearing impairment devices................................................228Duty of driver on approach of emergency vehicle...........................................228Duty of driver in emergency response areas...................................................228Emergency vehicles entering or leaving official garage..................................230Pedestrians to yield to emergency vehicles....................................................230Driving or stopping close to fire apparatus......................................................231Unauthorized persons and devices hanging on vehicles................................231Use of multiple-beam road lighting equipment................................................231Exhaust systems, mufflers and noise control..................................................231Visual and audible signals on emergency vehicles.........................................231Visual signals on authorized vehicles..............................................................232Requirement for periodic inspection of vehicles..............................................233Fire apparatus and emergency vehicles..........................................................233

Page 10 Rev. 2/14/20


Height of vehicles.............................................................................................234Designation of emergency vehicles by Pennsylvania State Police.................234Definitions [relating to snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles]..........................234

PART V. FIRE POLICE................................................................................................234

[Display of State flag].......................................................................................234Special Fire Police...........................................................................................234[Disability benefits]...........................................................................................235[Definition]........................................................................................................235[Construction]...................................................................................................236Construction [of Second Class County Code].................................................236Definitions [relating to lethal weapons training]...............................................236Definitions [relating to solicitation of funds for charitable purposes]...............236Specific powers [of boroughs]..........................................................................237Scope of subchapter [35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 74 Subch. D (relating to special fire police)]..............................................................................................................237Nomination [of special fire police]....................................................................237Confirmation [of special fire police]..................................................................237Powers [of special fire police]..........................................................................237Power and authority [of special fire police] in places other than where appointed.........................................................................................................238Badge of authority and subordination [of special fire police]...........................238

PART VI. HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES.............................................................238

[Display of State flag].......................................................................................238Emergency medical services memorial flag....................................................238Use of [emergency medical services memorial] flag.......................................238Agency responsibility.......................................................................................239Limitation..........................................................................................................239Composition [of Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, or America250PA]...........................................................239

PART VII. LIABILITIES AND IMMUNITIES................................................................239

[Liability]...........................................................................................................239Liabilities..........................................................................................................239Immunity from civil liability................................................................................239Immunity from liability.......................................................................................240Miscellaneous provisions.................................................................................240Immunity from liability.......................................................................................240Newborn protection..........................................................................................241[Emergency Management Assistance] Compact enacted...............................241Immunity from civil liability................................................................................241Limitations on liability.......................................................................................242Peer review......................................................................................................243Medical good Samaritan civil immunity............................................................243Emergency response provider and bystander good Samaritan civil immunity...........................................................................................................243Manager, coach, umpire or referee and nonprofit association negligence standard...........................................................................................................244Officer, director or trustee of nonprofit organization negligence standard.......245Volunteer firefighter civil immunity...................................................................245Civil immunity for assistance upon request in incidents involving the transportation of hazardous substances..........................................................245Liability for damages from donated vehicles or equipment to volunteer fire

Page 11 Rev. 2/14/20


companies........................................................................................................246Definitions [relating matters affecting government units].................................246Definitions [relating to intergovernmental relations]........................................247Immunity...........................................................................................................247

PART VIII. POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS.....................................................................247

Chapter 1. Counties Generally................................................................................247

Subchapter A. General Provisions......................................................................247Appointment [of fire marshals and assistants in counties]..............................247Authorization of County Commissioners to Make Appropriations [to County Firemen's Associations]...................................................................................247Qualification of [County Firemen's] Association..............................................247Distribution of [Unconventional Gas Well] fee.................................................248

Subchapter B. Bingo...........................................................................................248Definitions [relating to bingo]...........................................................................248Associations permitted to conduct bingo.........................................................248Rules for licensing and operation....................................................................249Revocation of licenses.....................................................................................251Special permits to conduct bingo for entertainment........................................251Revocation of special permits..........................................................................252Service of food or drink....................................................................................252

Subchapter C. Small Games of Chance.............................................................252Short title [of Local Option Small Games of Chance Act]................................252Legislative intent..............................................................................................252Definitions [relating to local option small games of chance]............................253Games of chance permitted.............................................................................254Prize limits........................................................................................................254Licensing of eligible organizations...................................................................255Club licensee....................................................................................................257Distribution of proceeds...................................................................................257Records............................................................................................................258Weekly drawings..............................................................................................258Affiliated clubs..................................................................................................258Applicability......................................................................................................258Revocation of licenses.....................................................................................258Local option......................................................................................................259Advertising.......................................................................................................259Certain persons prohibited...............................................................................260Civil penalties...................................................................................................260Criminal penalties............................................................................................260Definitions........................................................................................................261Athletic event drawing......................................................................................261

Chapter 2. Municipalities Generally.........................................................................261

Subchapter A. Personnel....................................................................................261[Regulations governing paid operators of fire apparatus]................................261[Appointments].................................................................................................262General Provisions Relating to Examinations.................................................262Rejection of Applicant; Hearing........................................................................262Eligibility List and Manner of Filling Appointments...........................................263Probationary Period.........................................................................................263Provisional Appointments.................................................................................264Promotions.......................................................................................................264Physical and Psychological Medical Examinations.........................................264

Page 12 Rev. 2/14/20


Removals.........................................................................................................265Penalty.............................................................................................................265Military Service.................................................................................................265Repeal and Construction.................................................................................266Fire Apparatus Operators Defined...................................................................266Distribution of [Unconventional Gas Well] fee.................................................266

Subchapter B. Municipal Retirement..................................................................266Definitions [relating to Pennsylvania municipal retirement].............................266Existing Local Retirement Systems and Compulsory and Optional Membership....................................................................................................267Determination of Municipal Liability.................................................................268Existing Local Retirement Systems and Compulsory and Optional Membership....................................................................................................268Determination of Municipal Liability.................................................................270

Subchapter C. Municipal Pension Plan Funding Standard and Recovery.........270Definitions [relating to municipal pension plan funding standard andrecovery]..........................................................................................................270Revision of financing from State revenue sources; General Municipal Pension System State Aid Program...............................................................................271Short title [of Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Distribution Law].............................272Definitions [relating to foreign fire insurance tax distribution]..........................273Payment by State Treasurer to municipalities.................................................273Distribution formula..........................................................................................273Conditions on first five payments.....................................................................273Use of foreign fire insurance tax moneys........................................................273

Subchapter D. Special Ad Hoc Municipal Police and Firefighter Postretirement Adjustment...........................................................................................................274

Short title [of Special Ad Hoc Municipal Police and Firefighter Postretirement Adjustment Act]................................................................................................274Definitions [relating to special ad hoc municipal police and firefighter postretirement adjustment]..............................................................................274Entitlement to 1989 special ad hoc adjustment...............................................275Amount of 1989 special ad hoc adjustment.....................................................275Payment of 1989 special ad hoc adjustment...................................................276Entitlement to 2002 special ad hoc postretirement adjustment.......................276Amount of 2002 special ad hoc postretirement adjustment............................276Special account created...................................................................................277Deposits into special account..........................................................................277Municipal retirement system certification of adjustments paid and of reimbursable amounts.....................................................................................277Administration by Auditor General...................................................................277Limitation of prior act........................................................................................278

Subchapter E. Volunteer Firefighters..................................................................278Scope of chapter [35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 74 (relating to volunteer firefighters)]........278Insurance and compensation...........................................................................278Scope of subchapter [35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 74 Subch. B (relating to relief association)].....................................................................................................278Definitions [relating to relief association].........................................................278Statement of purpose.......................................................................................279Construction [of 35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 74 Subch. B (relating to relief association)]. 279Structure [of relief association]........................................................................279Funds...............................................................................................................280Cooperation agreements.................................................................................282Audits...............................................................................................................282Dissolution [of volunteer fire company]............................................................282Scope of chapter [35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 79A (relating to incentives for municipal volunteers of fire companies and nonprofit emergency medical services

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agencies)].........................................................................................................283Purpose [of 35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 79A (relating to incentives for municipal volunteers of fire companies and nonprofit emergency medical services agencies)].......283Definitions [relating to incentives for municipal volunteers of fire companies and nonprofit emergency medical services agencies]............................................283Program authorization [for tax credit]...............................................................284Claim [for tax credit].........................................................................................284Real property tax credit....................................................................................284Limitations [on tax credit].................................................................................285Volunteer service credit program.....................................................................285Service record..................................................................................................285Certification......................................................................................................285Rejection [of tax credit claim] and appeal........................................................286Penalties for false reporting.............................................................................286

Subchapter F. Employment Sanctions................................................................286Scope of subchapter [35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 74 Subch. C (relating to employment sanctions)]........................................................................................................286Definitions [relating to employment sanctions]................................................286Prohibition on termination and discipline.........................................................287Prohibition on discrimination............................................................................287Lost time...........................................................................................................287Statements.......................................................................................................287Violations..........................................................................................................287

Subchapter G. Miscellaneous Provisions...........................................................287Preparation of Comprehensive Plan................................................................287

Chapter 3. Counties of the Second Class and Second Class A.............................288

Exclusive System.............................................................................................288General Provisions Relating to Examinations.................................................288Application for Examination for Appointment to the Police Force or as Fireman or Fire Inspector [in Counties of the Second Class]........................................288Employes Eligible for Retirement Allowances.................................................289Appointments; Qualifications; Salaries; Duties of Deputy Fire Marshals [in Counties of the Second Class]........................................................................290Offices and Supplies [in Counties of the Second Class].................................290Oath of Office and Bond [in Counties of the Second Class]............................290Attendance at Fires; Duties and Powers; Aid and Assistance; Investigations [in Counties of the Second Class]........................................................................290Rules and Regulations; Permits and Fees; Notice of Fires [in Counties of the Second Class]..................................................................................................291Investigation, Transfer to County Police for Prosecution [in Counties of the Second Class]..................................................................................................291Administration of Oaths; False Testimony; Subpoena and Attachment; Refusal to Testify or Produce Documents [in Counties of the Second Class]..............291Disobedience of Orders; Refusal to Execute Warrant; Hindering or Obstructing Marshal [in Counties of the Second Class]......................................................292Examination of Buildings and Structures; Notice to Alter, Remove or Amend [in Counties of the Second Class]........................................................................292Expense of Removal, Alteration or Amendment; Combustible or Explosive Matter [in Counties of the Second Class]........................................................292Records and Reports [in Counties of the Second Class]................................292Appointment [of Fire Marshal and Assistant Fire Marshals in Counties of the Second Class A]...............................................................................................293

Chapter 4. Counties of the Seventh and Eighth Classes........................................293

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Counties of Seventh and Eighth Classes; Appropriations to Borough Fire Departments and Volunteer Fire Companies..................................................293

Chapter 5. Cities Generally.....................................................................................293

[Prescribed hours of rest].................................................................................293

Chapter 6. City of Philadelphia................................................................................293

Injury or destruction of property or apparatus of fire companies.....................293Seizures during fires........................................................................................294Right of fire marshal to enter on premises to investigate fires........................294Subpoena and examination of witnesses [in City of Philadelphia in cases of arson or attempted arson]................................................................................294Direction and service of subpoenas.................................................................294Giving false fire alarm or injuring fire alarm apparatus [in City ofPhiladelphia].....................................................................................................294Building inspectors to enforce act [the act of March 14, 1867, P.L.440, No.415]; to be fined for neglect......................................................................................295Unauthorized possession or wearing of badge...............................................295

Chapter 7. Cities of the First Class..........................................................................295

Subchapter A. Fire Marshals...............................................................................295[Fire marshal in cities of the first class]............................................................295[Examining and reporting cause of fire]...........................................................295[Examination of explosives or combustibles]...................................................295[Power to enter public buildings]......................................................................295[Office of fire marshal established in cities of the first class]...........................296[Assistant fire marshals in cities of the first class]...........................................296[Vacancy or absence].......................................................................................296[Appointment of office assistants]....................................................................296[Inspection by fire marshal]..............................................................................296[Investigation; records open to public inspection]............................................297[Testimony].......................................................................................................297[Power to summon witnesses].........................................................................297[Right of entry]..................................................................................................298[Readiness]......................................................................................................298[Report of official actions].................................................................................298[Duties relating to fire escapes].......................................................................298

Subchapter B. Miscellaneous Provisions............................................................299[First class city government, department of public safety]...............................299[Powers of director]..........................................................................................299[First class city government, police and fire forces].........................................299[First class city government, appointees to department of public safety]........299[Regulations regarding uniforms; misdemeanor].............................................299[Prescribed hours of rest].................................................................................299Platoon System; Hours of Service...................................................................299[Rate of pay following military service].............................................................300

Chapter 8. Cities of the First and Second Classes.................................................300

[Duties relating to fire drills in factories]...........................................................300[Penalties]........................................................................................................300

Chapter 9. Cities of the Second Class....................................................................300

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Subchapter A. General Provisions......................................................................300[Department of public safety in cities of the second class]..............................300[Powers of cities of the second class]..............................................................301[Exempt class, civil service appointments in cities of the second class].........302[Two-platoon system in cities of the second class]..........................................302[Application of act]............................................................................................303[Additional powers to prevent fire]...................................................................303[Duties of director of Department of Public Safety]..........................................304[Inquiry]............................................................................................................304[Previous service; disability].............................................................................304[Classification]..................................................................................................304[Question to electors].......................................................................................305

Subchapter B. Firefighter Relief..........................................................................306[Firefighters' relief and pension fund created].................................................306[Fund sources].................................................................................................306[Board of managers created]...........................................................................306[Elections].........................................................................................................307[Officers]...........................................................................................................307[Meetings].........................................................................................................307[Management of fund; sinking fund created]...................................................307[Eligibility].........................................................................................................308[Membership requirements].............................................................................308[Credit for previous service].............................................................................309Married Persons; Pension to Surviving Spouse..............................................309[Survivorship benefits]......................................................................................310[Election of benefits for surviving spouse]........................................................311[Additional contributions for benefits for surviving spouse]..............................311[Reinstatement]................................................................................................311[Written application; military service credit]......................................................311[Disability].........................................................................................................312[Payments to beneficiaries; cost-of-living allowance]......................................312[Additional annuity payments]..........................................................................313[Service increment]..........................................................................................314[Payments to certain survivors authorized]......................................................314[Continuing eligibility for certain persons]........................................................314[Early voluntary retirement]..............................................................................315[Power to revoke, suspend or redirect pension payment]...............................315[Beneficiaries obtaining employment with city]................................................315

Subchapter C. Fire Department Employees.......................................................315[Civil service status of certain fire department employees in cities of the second class]................................................................................................................315[Civil service in cities of the second class].......................................................315[Application for original appointment and reinstatement]................................315[Appointment and promotion]...........................................................................316[Vacancy]..........................................................................................................316[Hearing; appeals]............................................................................................317[Reinstatement]................................................................................................317[Court of inquiry or trial]....................................................................................317[Selection of court; decision, hearing and appeal]...........................................318[Procedure for reduction in number]................................................................319[Penalties]........................................................................................................319

Chapter 10. Cities of the Second Class A...............................................................319

[Removal or dismissal].....................................................................................319[Court of trial or inquiry in cities of the second class A]...................................321[Salaries fixed by council]................................................................................321

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[Hours of rest, fire departments in cities of the second class A]......................321[Pension funds]................................................................................................321[Administration]................................................................................................322[Duties of city treasurer]...................................................................................322[Report and audit required]..............................................................................322[Two-platoon system].......................................................................................322[Minimum pension allowance; increases]........................................................323[Funding]..........................................................................................................323[Applicability]....................................................................................................323[Increase].........................................................................................................323[Fund authorized].............................................................................................323

Chapter 11. Cities of the Third Classification..........................................................324

Subchapter A. General Provisions......................................................................324Purpose and legislative intent..........................................................................324Plan not affected by certain collective bargaining agreements orsettlements.......................................................................................................324Definitions [relatin

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