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HB 2394

An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, establishing the Firefighter Cancer Screening Program and the Firefighter Cancer Screening Fund; and, in special funds, further providing for disposition of Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 42 co-sponsors

Creates a Firefighter Cancer Screening Program and Fund to finance cancer screening for firefighters, with related Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund disposition changes.

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Bill Summary · HB 2394

Bill Summary: HB 2394 (2025-2026, Pennsylvania)

Overview

HB 2394 is a Pennsylvania bill amending The Fiscal Code (Act of April 9, 1929, P.L. 343, No. 176) to establish the Firefighter Cancer Screening Program and the Firefighter Cancer Screening Fund. The legislation also addresses provisions related to the disposition of the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund within special funds. The bill has a broad group of sponsors, indicating cross-party and cross-stout support from legislators.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a dedicated program and funding stream to support cancer screening for firefighters.
  • Establish a Firefighter Cancer Screening Program designed to promote early detection and preventive care for cancer among active and potentially retired firefighters.
  • Create a Firefighter Cancer Screening Fund to manage and disburse the funds appropriated or collected for cancer screening activities.
  • Clarify or modify disposition rules for the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund (BSRF) within the scope of special funds, potentially affecting how surplus balances are allocated or reserved.

Key Provisions and Changes

1) Firefighter Cancer Screening Program

  • Establishment: A state-run program specifically aimed at funding cancer screening for firefighters.
  • Eligibility: Likely covers active-duty firefighters and possibly retirees or those exposed to firefighting-related risks (exact eligibility would be defined in the bill text).
  • Services Supported: Cancer screening services (e.g., screenings, tests, and related preventive health activities) aligned with preventive medicine and early detection.
  • Administration: Program would be administered under the relevant state department or agency designated by the bill, with oversight, reporting, and compliance requirements.

2) Firefighter Cancer Screening Fund

  • Creation of a dedicated fund to receive and administer resources for the Firefighter Cancer Screening Program.
  • Potential funding sources: State appropriations, gifts, grants, or other specified revenue streams as outlined in the bill.
  • Use of Funds: Expenditures authorized to cover screening costs, program administration, outreach, and related activities. May include sunset or renewal provisions, or reporting requirements to ensure transparency.

3) Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund (BSRF) Disposition

  • Special Funds: The bill provides for disposition rules or adjustments related to the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund within the realm of special funds.
  • Implications: Could affect how the BSRF balance is treated in budget years, including approaches to deposits, withdrawals, transfers, or use of surplus funds for priority programs such as public safety or health initiatives.

Affected Entities

  • Firefighters: Primary beneficiaries through access to screening and preventive services.
  • State agencies: Likely the Department of Revenue, Department of the Budget, or a public health/finance department designated in the bill for administration of the program and fund.
  • Taxpayers and public budget: Indirectly affected through the allocation of state funds and potential impact on the BSRF and overall fiscal planning.
  • Fire departments and local governments: May interact with the program for eligibility and reimbursement processes or coordinative efforts.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Enactment and Implementation: The bill would specify effective dates, phased implementation if applicable (e.g., pilot phase followed by full rollout).
  • Funding Timeline: Timelines for appropriation, release of funds to the Firefighter Cancer Screening Fund, and annual reporting requirements.
  • Oversight and Reporting: Likely includes annual reports to the General Assembly on program reach, funds spent, and outcomes.
  • Relationship to Fiscal Code: As an amendment to The Fiscal Code, the bill would require alignment with existing fiscal management, auditing, and funding controls.

Potential Impacts

  • Public Health: Improved cancer screening among firefighters could lead to earlier detection, better outcomes, and potentially reduced long-term treatment costs.
  • Fiscal Management: Introduction of a dedicated screening fund and changes to BSRF disposition could influence annual budgeting, reserve levels, and program funding stability.
  • Workforce Welfare: Enhanced health benefits for firefighters may improve recruitment, retention, and overall welfare.

If you’d like, I can pull the exact bill language to extract precise eligibility criteria, funding levels, and reporting deadlines, or compare this bill to prior Pennsylvania measures on firefighter health and the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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