PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 1234
PRINTER'S NO. 3467
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
1178
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY KNOWLES, ECKER, KULIK, SCHLEGEL CULVER, SMITH,
DUNBAR, ZIMMERMAN, HAMM, STRUZZI, WHEELAND, CIRESI, GILLEN
AND POLINCHOCK, APRIL 14, 2021
AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AS AMENDED,
SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
AN ACT
Amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, IN COMMONWEALTH SERVICES, FURTHER
PROVIDING FOR STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER AND PROVIDING FOR
CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL GRANTS FOR MUNICIPAL FIRE
DEPARTMENTS, FOR CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL GRANTS FOR EMERGENCY
SERVICE TRAINING CENTERS AND FOR MONEY FOR ONLINE TRAINING
FOR FIREFIGHTERS; in grants to fire companies and emergency
medical services companies, further providing for award of
grants for volunteer fire companies and for award of grants
for emergency medical services companies.; IN EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT SERVICES, PROVIDING FOR TUITION AND LOAN
ASSISTANCE FOR ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS AND ESTABLISHING THE ACTIVE
VOLUNTEER TUITION AND LOAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND THE ACTIVE
VOLUNTEER TUITION AND LOAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUND; AND, IN
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEM, PROVIDING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
FOR RECRUITMENT, TRAINING AND RETENTION.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Sections 7813(b)(1) and (3) and 7823(b)(3) of
Title 35 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes are amended
to read:
SECTION 1. SECTION 7383 OF TITLE 35 OF THE PENNSYLVANIA
CONSOLIDATED STATUTES IS AMENDED BY ADDING A SUBSECTION TO READ:
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§ 7383. STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER.
* * *
(D) FIREWORKS EDUCATION.--MONEY TRANSFERRED UNDER 3 PA.C.S.
§ 1113(A)(7) (RELATING TO DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN FUNDS) SHALL BE
USED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR FIREWORKS DANGER EDUCATION.
SECTION 2. TITLE 35 IS AMENDED BY ADDING SECTIONS TO READ:
§ 7385.1. CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL GRANTS FOR MUNICIPAL FIRE
DEPARTMENTS.
(A) SOURCE.--MONEY TRANSFERRED UNDER 3 PA.C.S. § 1113(A)(6)
(RELATING TO DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN FUNDS) SHALL BE UTILIZED BY
THE COMMISSIONER TO ADMINISTER CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL GRANTS.
(B) RECIPIENTS.--MUNICIPAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS RECOGNIZED BY
THE COMMISSIONER UNDER STANDARDS DEVELOPED THROUGH RULES AND
GUIDELINES IN CONSULTATION WITH THE STATE FIRE ADVISORY BOARD
MAY BE RECIPIENTS OF GRANTS UNDER SUBSECTION (A) UPON
APPLICATION.
(C) PURPOSES.--CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL GRANTS ADMINISTERED
TO RECIPIENTS UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE USED TO:
(1) ESTABLISH OR MODERNIZE FACILITIES THAT HOUSE
FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT, AMBULANCES OR RESCUE VEHICLES.
(2) ACQUIRE OR RENOVATE EXISTING STRUCTURES TO HOUSE
FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT, AMBULANCES OR RESCUE VEHICLES OR FOR
THE CONSTRUCTION OR MODERNIZATION OF FACILITIES.
(3) REPAIR OR PURCHASE FIREFIGHTING, AMBULANCE OR RESCUE
EQUIPMENT AS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE PROPER AND ADEQUATE
TRAINING.
(4) TRAIN AND CERTIFY MEMBERS.
(5) EDUCATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC REGARDING FIRE PREVENTION
AND COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION.
(6) RECRUIT AND RETAIN, INCLUDING PROVIDING FOR
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VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARD PROGRAMS AND
PROGRAMS FOR MINORS.
(D) RESTRICTIONS.--CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL GRANTS
ADMINISTERED UNDER THIS SECTION MAY NOT BE USED FOR:
(1) OPERATING EXPENSES.
(2) REFINANCING OF RENOVATED STRUCTURES.
(3) REFINANCING THE CONSTRUCTION OR MODERNIZATION OF
FACILITIES.
(4) APPARATUS EQUIPMENT, COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT OR
ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT.
(5) REDUCTION OF DEBT OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED PRIOR
TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION.
(E) APPLICATIONS.--THE FOLLOWING APPLY:
(1) EVERY APPLICATION FOR A CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL
GRANT SHALL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A NOTARIZED FINANCIAL STATEMENT
OF THE ENTITY MAKING THE APPLICATION ACCOMPANIED WITH
EVIDENCE SUFFICIENT TO SHOW NEED FOR THE GRANT FUNDING.
(2) APPLICATIONS SHALL BE REVIEWED BY THE APPLICATION
REVIEW COMMITTEE UTILIZING CRITERIA ESTABLISHED UNDER
SUBSECTION (B).
(F) AMOUNTS AND CRITERIA.--THE FOLLOWING APPLY:
(1) CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL GRANT AMOUNTS AND THE
CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING AMOUNTS SHALL BE ESTABLISHED BY THE
COMMISSIONER IN CONSULTATION WITH THE STATE FIRE ADVISORY
BOARD.
(2) AN ENTITY MAY BE AWARDED A CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL
GRANT, IF AVAILABLE, FOR AN APPROVED PROJECT IN LIEU OF
APPROVED REIMBURSEMENT PAYMENTS OR, IF NOT AVAILABLE, SHALL
RECEIVE PAYMENTS IN THE FORM OF REIMBURSEMENTS.
(G) USE.--CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL GRANTS MAY BE USED IN
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COMBINATION WITH THE FUNDING AUTHORIZED UNDER SECTION 7813(E)
(RELATING TO AWARD OF GRANTS) IF AN APPLICANT IS OFFICIALLY
PROCEEDING WITH AN APPROVED PROJECT EVIDENCED BY REQUIRED
DOCUMENTATION AS DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSIONER.
§ 7385.2. CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL GRANTS FOR EMERGENCY SERVICE
TRAINING CENTERS.
(A) SOURCE.--MONEY TRANSFERRED UNDER 3 PA.C.S. § 1113(A)(5)
(RELATING TO DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN FUNDS) SHALL BE UTILIZED BY
THE COMMISSIONER TO ADMINISTER CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL GRANTS.
(B) RECIPIENTS.--EMERGENCY SERVICES TRAINING CENTERS
RECOGNIZED BY THE COMMISSIONER UNDER STANDARDS DEVELOPED THROUGH
RULES AND GUIDELINES IN CONSULTATION WITH THE STATE FIRE
ADVISORY BOARD MAY BE RECIPIENTS OF GRANTS UNDER SUBSECTION (A)
UPON APPLICATION.
(C) PURPOSES.--CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL GRANTS ADMINISTERED
TO RECIPIENTS UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE USED TO:
(1) ESTABLISH OR MODERNIZE FACILITIES THAT HOUSE
FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT, AMBULANCES OR RESCUE VEHICLES.
(2) ACQUIRE OR RENOVATE EXISTING STRUCTURES TO HOUSE
FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT, AMBULANCES OR RESCUE VEHICLES OR FOR
THE CONSTRUCTION OR MODERNIZATION OF FACILITIES.
(3) REPAIR OR PURCHASE FIREFIGHTING, AMBULANCE OR RESCUE
EQUIPMENT AS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE PROPER AND ADEQUATE
TRAINING.
(4) TRAIN AND CERTIFY MEMBERS.
(5) EDUCATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC REGARDING FIRE PREVENTION
AND COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION.
(6) RECRUIT AND RETAIN, INCLUDING PROVIDING FOR
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARD PROGRAMS AND
PROGRAMS FOR MINORS.
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(D) RESTRICTIONS.--CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL GRANTS
ADMINISTERED UNDER THIS SECTION MAY NOT BE USED FOR:
(1) OPERATING EXPENSES.
(2) REFINANCING OF RENOVATED STRUCTURES.
(3) REFINANCING THE CONSTRUCTION OR MODERNIZATION OF
FACILITIES.
(4) APPARATUS EQUIPMENT, COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT OR
ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT.
(5) REDUCTION OF DEBT OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED PRIOR
TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION.
(E) APPLICATIONS.--THE FOLLOWING APPLY:
(1) EVERY APPLICATION FOR A CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL
GRANT SHALL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A NOTARIZED FINANCIAL STATEMENT
OF THE ENTITY MAKING THE APPLICATION ACCOMPANIED WITH
EVIDENCE SUFFICIENT TO SHOW NEED FOR THE GRANT FUNDING.
(2) APPLICATIONS SHALL BE REVIEWED BY THE APPLICATION
REVIEW COMMITTEE UTILIZING CRITERIA ESTABLISHED UNDER
SUBSECTION (B).
(F) AMOUNTS AND CRITERIA.--THE FOLLOWING APPLY:
(1) CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL GRANT AMOUNTS AND THE
CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING AMOUNTS SHALL BE ESTABLISHED BY THE
COMMISSIONER IN CONSULTATION WITH THE STATE FIRE ADVISORY
BOARD.
(2) AN ENTITY MAY BE AWARDED A CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL
GRANT, IF AVAILABLE, FOR AN APPROVED PROJECT IN LIEU OF
APPROVED REIMBURSEMENT PAYMENTS OR, IF NOT AVAILABLE, SHALL
RECEIVE PAYMENTS IN THE FORM OF REIMBURSEMENTS.
(G) USE.--CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL GRANTS MAY BE USED IN
COMBINATION WITH THE FUNDING AUTHORIZED UNDER SECTION 7813(E)
(RELATING TO AWARD OF GRANTS) IF AN APPLICANT IS OFFICIALLY
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PROCEEDING WITH AN APPROVED PROJECT EVIDENCED BY REQUIRED
DOCUMENTATION AS DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSIONER.
§ 7388.1. MONEY FOR ONLINE TRAINING FOR FIREFIGHTERS.
MONEY TRANSFERRED UNDER 3 PA.C.S. § 1113(A)(2) (RELATING TO
DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN FUNDS) SHALL BE UTILIZED BY THE
COMMISSIONER FOR THE PURPOSES UNDER SECTION 7388 (RELATING TO
ONLINE TRAINING FOR FIREFIGHTERS).
SECTION 3. SECTIONS 7813(B)(3) AND 7823(B)(3) OF TITLE 35
ARE AMENDED TO READ:
§ 7813. Award of grants.
* * *
(b) Limits.--
(1) [Except as provided in paragraph (3), grants] Grants
shall be not less than $2,500 and not more than $15,000 per
fire company.
* * *
[(3) In a municipality where there are two or more
volunteer fire companies and if two or more volunteer fire
companies consolidated their use of equipment, firefighters
and services [within 10 years preceding the date of the
current year application submission deadline], the
consolidated entity shall be deemed eligible to receive a
grant not to exceed the amount of the combined total for
which the individual companies would have been eligible had
they not consolidated.]
* * *
§ 7823. Award of grants.
* * *
(b) Limits.--
* * *
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[(3) If two or more EMS companies consolidated their use
of equipment, personnel and services [within 10 years
preceding the date of the current year application submission
deadline], the consolidated entity shall be deemed eligible
to receive a grant not to exceed the amount of the combined
total for which the individual companies would have been
eligible had they not consolidated.]
* * *
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
SECTION 4. TITLE 35 IS AMENDED BY ADDING A CHAPTER TO READ:
CHAPTER 79B
TUITION AND LOAN ASSISTANCE FOR ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS
SUBCHAPTER
A. PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
B. ACTIVE VOLUNTEER TUITION AND LOAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
SUBCHAPTER A
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
SEC.
79B01. DEFINITIONS.
§ 79B01. DEFINITIONS.
THE FOLLOWING WORDS AND PHRASES WHEN USED IN THIS CHAPTER
SHALL HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN THIS SECTION UNLESS THE
CONTEXT CLEARLY INDICATES OTHERWISE:
"ACTIVE VOLUNTEER." A VOLUNTEER FOR A VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION
WHO SATISFIES THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA UNDER SECTION 79B12(A)
(RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY), RECEIVES A CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY
AND COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROGRAM.
"AGENCY." THE PENNSYLVANIA HIGHER EDUCATION ASSISTANCE
AGENCY.
"APPROVED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING." AN EDUCATIONAL
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INSTITUTION OFFERING A POSTSECONDARY PROGRAM OF EDUCATION
LOCATED IN THIS COMMONWEALTH AND APPROVED BY THE AGENCY.
"APPROVED PROGRAM OF EDUCATION." A DEGREE-GRANTING OR
CERTIFICATE-GRANTING CURRICULUM, COURSE OF STUDY OR TRAINING
PROGRAM REQUIRED FOR ENTRANCE INTO A SPECIFIC CAREER TO BE
PURSUED ON A FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME BASIS OR ITS EQUIVALENT AS
DETERMINED BY THE AGENCY, AT AN APPROVED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER
LEARNING.
"CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY." A CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE
AGENCY UNDER SECTION 79B12(B) THAT CERTIFIES THAT AN ACTIVE
VOLUNTEER SATISFIES THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA UNDER SECTION
79B12(A).
"EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AGENCY." AS DEFINED IN SECTION
8103 (RELATING TO DEFINITIONS).
"FUND." THE ACTIVE VOLUNTEER TUITION AND LOAN ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM FUND ESTABLISHED UNDER SECTION 79B21(A) (RELATING TO
ACTIVE VOLUNTEER TUITION AND LOAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUND ).
"PROGRAM." THE ACTIVE VOLUNTEER TUITION AND LOAN ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM ESTABLISHED UNDER SECTION 79B11 (RELATING TO
ESTABLISHMENT) .
"QUALIFIED APPLICANT." AN ACTIVE VOLUNTEER WHO QUALIFIES FOR
TUITION OR LOAN ASSISTANCE UNDER SUBCHAPTER B (RELATING TO
ACTIVE VOLUNTEER TUITION AND LOAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM).
"TUITION OR LOAN ASSISTANCE." REIMBURSEMENT PROVIDED BY THE
AGENCY FOR TUITION OR LOANS UNDER THE PROGRAM OR IN A FORM OF
LOAN FORGIVENESS.
"VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY." A NONPROFIT CHARTERED CORPORATION,
ASSOCIATION OR ORGANIZATION LOCATED IN THIS COMMONWEALTH THAT
PROVIDES FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES AND MAY OFFER OTHER VOLUNTARY
EMERGENCY SERVICES WITHIN THIS COMMONWEALTH.
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"VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION." A VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY OR
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AGENCY.
SUBCHAPTER B
ACTIVE VOLUNTEER TUITION AND LOAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
SEC.
79B11. ESTABLISHMENT.
79B12. ELIGIBILITY.
79B13. TUITION OR LOAN ASSISTANCE .
79B14. PROMISSORY NOTE.
79B15. AMOUNT OF TUITION OR LOAN PAYMENTS.
79B16. LIMITATION ON TUITION OR LOAN ASSISTANCE.
79B17. RECOUPMENT OF TUITION OR LOAN ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS.
79B18. SERVICE RECORDS.
79B19. VERIFICATION OF ACTIVE VOLUNTEER STATUS.
79B20. ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
79B21. ACTIVE VOLUNTEER TUITION AND LOAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
FUND.
79B22. REGULATIONS.
§ 79B11. ESTABLISHMENT.
THE ACTIVE VOLUNTEER TUITION AND LOAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IS
ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE AGENCY TO PROVIDE TUITION OR LOAN
ASSISTANCE TO ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS WITH VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS WHO
ARE STUDENTS AT APPROVED INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING.
§ 79B12. ELIGIBILITY.
(A) CRITERIA.--UPON SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE
IN THE PROGRAM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGENCY'S REGULATIONS,
RULES OR GUIDELINES UNDER SECTION 79B22 (RELATING TO
REGULATIONS) , AN INDIVIDUAL SHALL BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE TUITION
OR LOAN ASSISTANCE IF THE INDIVIDUAL SATISFIES ALL OF THE
FOLLOWING ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
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(1) IS A RESIDENT OF THIS COMMONWEALTH.
(2) IS AN ACTIVE VOLUNTEER.
(3) HAS PARTICIPATED IN NOT LESS THAN 30% OR, IF THE
INDIVIDUAL WAS ENROLLED AS A STUDENT IN A HIGH SCHOOL OR IN
AN APPROVED PROGRAM OF EDUCATION AT AN APPROVED INSTITUTION
OF HIGHER LEARNING WITHIN THE ONE-YEAR PERIOD BEFORE THE
INDIVIDUAL SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION TO THE AGENCY FOR TUITION
OR LOAN ASSISTANCE, NOT LESS THAN 15% OF A VOLUNTEER
ORGANIZATION'S ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE ONE-YEAR PERIOD BEFORE
THE INDIVIDUAL SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION TO THE AGENCY FOR
TUITION OR LOAN ASSISTANCE. THE ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE, BUT
NOT BE LIMITED TO, TRAINING, DRILLS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE
CALLS, ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT, FUNDRAISING OR
OTHER EVENTS AND PROJECTS THAT AID THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF
THE VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION.
(4) HAS ENROLLED AS A STUDENT IN AN APPROVED PROGRAM OF
EDUCATION AT AN APPROVED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING AFTER
THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION.
(5) ACCEPTS AN OBLIGATION TO SERVE AS AN ACTIVE
VOLUNTEER WITH A VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR
PRIOR TO ENROLLING IN AN APPROVED PROGRAM OF EDUCATION AND AT
LEAST FIVE YEARS AFTER COMPLETING AN APPROVED PROGRAM OF
EDUCATION.
(6) HAS SIGNED A PROMISSORY NOTE OBLIGATING THE
INDIVIDUAL TO REPAY THE FULL AMOUNT OF TUITION OR LOAN
ASSISTANCE RECEIVED BY THE INDIVIDUAL IF THE INDIVIDUAL FAILS
TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE PROGRAM.
(7) IS IN GOOD STANDING WITH THE VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION
FOR WHICH THE INDIVIDUAL IS AN ACTIVE VOLUNTEER.
(B) CERTIFICATE.--THE AGENCY SHALL ISSUE A CERTIFICATE OF
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ELIGIBILITY TO AN INDIVIDUAL WHO SATISFIES THE ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA UNDER SUBSECTION (A).
§ 79B13. TUITION OR LOAN ASSISTANCE .
FROM MONEY APPROPRIATED FOR THE PROGRAM, TUITION OR LOAN
ASSISTANCE SHALL BE PROVIDED TO ELIGIBLE STUDENTS TO PURSUE
APPROVED PROGRAMS OF EDUCATION ON OR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF
THIS SECTION.
§ 79B14. PROMISSORY NOTE.
BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM, AN INDIVIDUAL MUST SIGN
A PROMISSORY NOTE OBLIGATING THE INDIVIDUAL TO REPAY THE FULL
AMOUNT OF THE TUITION OR LOAN ASSISTANCE RECEIVED BY THE
INDIVIDUAL IF THE INDIVIDUAL FAILS TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS
UNDER THE PROGRAM AS SPECIFIED UNDER SECTION 79B17 (RELATING TO
RECOUPMENT OF TUITION OR LOAN ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS).
§ 79B15. AMOUNT OF TUITION OR LOAN PAYMENTS.
(A) FULL-TIME STUDENTS.--PAYMENTS OF TUITION OR LOAN
ASSISTANCE TO A FULL-TIME STUDENT SHALL BE $1,000 PER ACADEMIC
YEAR.
(B) PART-TIME STUDENTS.--PAYMENTS OF TUITION OR LOAN
ASSISTANCE TO A PART-TIME STUDENT SHALL NOT EXCEED $500 FOR AN
ACADEMIC YEAR.
(C) FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.--TUITION OR LOAN ASSISTANCE
SHALL BE GRANTED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
§ 79B16. LIMITATION ON TUITION OR LOAN ASSISTANCE.
AN ELIGIBLE STUDENT MAY NOT RECEIVE TUITION OR LOAN
ASSISTANCE FOR A TOTAL OF MORE THAN FIVE ACADEMIC YEARS OR AN
EQUIVALENT AMOUNT OF TIME AS DETERMINED BY THE AGENCY. TUITION
OR LOAN ASSISTANCE MUST BE USED WITHIN SEVEN YEARS OF
GRADUATION.
§ 79B17. RECOUPMENT OF TUITION OR LOAN ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS.
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(A) NONCOMPLIANCE.--AN INDIVIDUAL WHO FAILS TO SATISFY THE
REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE PROGRAM SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE
COMMONWEALTH FOR THE FULL AMOUNT OF TUITION OR LOAN ASSISTANCE
RECEIVED BY THE INDIVIDUAL, UNLESS THE FAILURE AND INABILITY TO
DO SO IS A RESULT OF AN INJUR Y WHILE RESPONDING TO AN EMERGENCY
AS AN ACTIVE VOLUNTEER THAT PREVENTS THE INDIVIDUAL FROM
COMPLYING WITH THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE PROGRAM. THE
PROMISSORY NOTE UNDER SECTION 79B14 (RELATING TO PROMISSORY
NOTE) SHALL BE REPAID BY THE INDIVIDUAL UPON DEMAND BY THE
AGENCY ON A SCHEDULE AS THE AGENCY MAY DETERMINE.
(B) NOTICE.--A VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION SHALL NOTIFY THE
AGENCY IF AN ACTIVE VOLUNTEER FAILS TO SATISFY THE VOLUNTEER
REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE PROGRAM.
§ 79B18. SERVICE RECORDS.
(A) LOGS.--FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE PROGRAM, THE CHIEF OF A VOLUNTEER FIRE
COMPANY OR THE SUPERVISOR OR CHIEF OF AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICES AGENCY OR THEIR DESIGNEES SHALL ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN
A SERVICE LOG THAT DOCUMENTS T HE SERVICES PROVIDED BY AN ACTIVE
VOLUNTEER PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING A CALCULATION
OF THE AMOUNT OF TIME THE ACTIVE VOLUNTEER CONDUCTS ACTIVITIES
WITH THE VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION.
(B) REVIEW.--SERVICE LOGS UNDER SUBSECTION (A) SHALL BE
SUBJECT TO PERIODIC REVIEW BY THE AGENCY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF
AUDITOR GENERAL FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS UNDER THIS SUBCHAPTER.
§ 79B19. VERIFICATION OF ACTIVE VOLUNTEER STATUS.
(A) SELF-CERTIFICATION.--AN INDIVIDUAL SHALL SIGN AND SUBMIT
AN APPLICATION TO THE CHIEF OF A VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY OR THE
SUPERVISOR OR CHIEF OF THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AGENCY TO
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ATTEST THAT THE INDIVIDUAL IS AN ACTIVE VOLUNTEER.
(B) INJURED VOLUNTEER.--NOTWITHSTANDING THE VOLUNTEER
REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE PROGRAM, AN INDIVIDUAL WHO WAS INJURED
WHILE RESPONDING TO AN EMERGENCY AS AN ACTIVE VOLUNTEER WHO CAN
NO LONGER SERVE AS AN ACTIVE VOLUNTEER BECAUSE OF THE INJURY AND
WHO WOULD OTHERWISE BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM SHALL BE
ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM FOR FIVE YEARS FROM THE
DATE OF THE INJURY IF ABLE TO DO SO OR UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OR
(B), AS APPROPRIATE.
(C) LOCAL SIGN-OFF.--THE CHIEF AND ANOTHER OFFICER OF THE
VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY AND THE SUPERVISOR OR CHIEF AND ANOTHER
OFFICER OF THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AGENCY SHALL SIGN THE
APPLICATION ATTESTING THAT THE INDIVIDUAL IS AN ACTIVE VOLUNTEER
UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OR THAT THE INDIVIDUAL CAN NO LONGER SERVE
AS AN ACTIVE VOLUNTEER DUE TO INJURY UNDER SUBSECTION (B). THE
APPLICATION SHALL THEN BE FORWARDED TO THE AGENCY FOR FINAL
REVIEW AND PROCESSING.
§ 79B20. ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF THE PROGRAM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
BEGINNING JULY 1, 2022, AND EACH FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER SHALL
NOT EXCEED 3.5% OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY APPROPRIATED TO THE
AGENCY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM.
§ 79B21. ACTIVE VOLUNTEER TUITION AND LOAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
FUND.
(A) ESTABLISHMENT.--THE ACTIVE VOLUNTEER TUITION AND LOAN
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUND IS ESTABLISHED AS A NONLAPSING
RESTRICTED RECEIPTS ACCOUNT IN THE STATE TREASURY.
(B) APPROPRIATION.--MONEY DEPOSITED OR TRAN SFERRED INTO THE
FUND, INCLUDING ANY ACCRUED INTEREST, IS APPROPRIATED TO THE
AGENCY ON A CONTINUING BASIS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM.
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(C) ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS.--AN ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION MAY
NOT PREVENT THE DEPOSIT OR TRANSFER OF MONEY INTO THE FUND.
(D) USE.--MONEY IN THE FUND MAY ONLY BE USED TO IMPLEMENT
THE PROGRAM. MONEY IN THE FUND MAY NOT BE DIVERTED FOR ANY OTHER
PURPOSE BY ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.
§ 79B22. REGULATIONS.
THE AGENCY SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS AND ESTABLISH RULES
OR GUIDELINES TO ADMINISTER THIS SUBCHAPTER.
SECTION 5. TITLE 35 IS AMENDED BY ADDING A SECTION TO READ:
§ 8112.1. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR RECRUITMENT, TRAINING AND RETENTION.
(A) UTILIZATION.--EXCEPT AS PROVIDED UNDER SUBSECTION (D),
MONEY TRANSFERRED UNDER 3 PA.C.S. § 1113(A)(4) (RELATING TO
DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN FUNDS) SHALL BE UTILIZED BY THE
DEPARTMENT'S BUREAU OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES TO:
(1) ISSUE SCHOLARSHIPS TO EMS PROVIDERS WHO COMPLETE EMS
TRAINING PROVIDED BY AN APPROVED ENTITY UNDER SECTION 8105(B)
(6) (RELATING TO DUTIES OF DEPARTMENT).
(2) REIMBURSE EMS AGENCIES FOR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
COSTS, WHICH ARE TO BE DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT'S BUREAU
OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.
(B) APPLICATION.--AN INDIVIDUAL SHALL SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
FOR A SCHOLARSHIP TO THE DEPARTMENT ON A FORM APPROVED BY THE
DEPARTMENT.
(C) FORM.--THE SCHOLARSHIPS SHALL BE IN THE FORM OF:
(1) REIMBURSEMENT TO EMS PROVIDERS UPON SUCCESSFUL
COMPLETION OF EMS TRAINING BY AN APPROVED PROVIDER.
(2) REIMBURSEMENT TO AN EMS AGENCY FOR RECRUITMENT AND
RETENTION COSTS, WHICH ARE TO BE DETERMINED BY THE
DEPARTMENT'S BUREAU OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.
(D) ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.--A PORTION OF THE MONEY
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TRANSFERRED UNDER 3 PA.C.S. § 1113(A)(4) MAY BE USED BY THE
BUREAU OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
SECTION 6. THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT AS FOLLOWS:
(1) THE AMENDMENT OF 35 PA.C.S. §§ 7813(B)(3) AND
7823(B)(3) SHALL TAKE EFFECT IN 60 DAYS.
(2) THE REMAINDER OF THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT
IMMEDIATELY.
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