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SB 1398

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 Camera Bartolotta and 9 co-sponsors

Establishes a Firefighter Cancer Screening Program and dedicated Firefighter Cancer Screening Fund to provide early cancer screening for firefighters in Pennsylvania.

Referred to Banking & Insurance
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Bill Summary · SB 1398

Overview

  • Bill: Senate Bill 1398 (2025-2026 Regular Session)
  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Primary purpose: Amend The Fiscal Code to establish a Firefighter Cancer Screening Program and create a Firefighter Cancer Screening Fund; address dispositions related to the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund within special funds.

What the bill would do

  • Establishment of Firefighter Cancer Screening Program

    • Creates a formal program dedicated to cancer screening for firefighters.
    • Aims to detect cancer earlier among firefighters who may have elevated occupational cancer risk.

  • Creation of Firefighter Cancer Screening Fund

    • Establishes a dedicated fund to support the Firefighter Cancer Screening Program.
    • Fund would likely be used for program administration, screening services, outreach, and related activities (exact disbursement rules would be specified in the bill text).

  • Fiscal Code amendments (The Fiscal Code)

    • Amends the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176) to incorporate the Firefighter Cancer Screening Program and Firefighter Cancer Screening Fund into the state Fiscal Code framework.
    • Aligns program funding, governance, and reporting with existing fiscal/appropriations mechanisms.

  • Disposition of Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund (special funds)

    • Adds provisions related to how funds in the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund (often the state’s rainy-day fund) may be treated or appropriated within the context of special funds.
    • This could include rules for appropriations, transfers, or allocations impacting the Fund’s balance or distributions.

Who is affected

  • Firefighters and fire departments in Pennsylvania

    • Primary beneficiaries through access to cancer screening services and related program benefits.

  • State government and the Department responsible for fiscal administration

    • Portfolio responsible for implementing the Firefighter Cancer Screening Program and managing the Firefighter Cancer Screening Fund.
    • Requires administrative, reporting, and fiduciary oversight under The Fiscal Code.

  • Taxpayers and state budget stakeholders

    • Indirectly affected by any changes to the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund’s disposition or related appropriations.

Key provisions to look for in the bill text (highlights)

  • Governance and administration
    • Which state department leads the program (likely Department of Health or a related agency) and any advisory bodies or governance structure.
  • Funding and financing
    • Source of funds for the Firefighter Cancer Screening Fund (e.g., general fund appropriations, dedicated revenue, grants).
    • Eligible uses of funds, grant-making processes, and eligibility criteria for screening services.
  • Scope of screening
    • Eligible cancers covered, recommended screening intervals, and prerequisites for participating firefighters.
  • Eligibility and enrollment
    • Who qualifies (e.g., career firefighters, volunteers, retirees) and how eligibility is established.
  • Reporting and oversight
    • Annual reporting requirements, performance metrics (e.g., number of screenings performed, detection rates), and audit provisions.
  • Interaction with existing programs
    • How this program coordinates with DOH programs, worker’s compensation, or firefighter health initiatives.
  • Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund provisions
    • Specific changes to how the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund may be used or allocated, including any constraints, triggers, or timelines.

Potential impact

  • Public health and safety

    • Improved early detection of cancer among firefighters, potentially leading to better health outcomes and longer careers.

  • Fiscal impact

    • Creation of a new fund and ongoing program costs; requires appropriation and sound fiscal administration within the Fiscal Code.
    • Possible reallocation or delineation of Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund disbursements within special funds.

  • Operational impact

    • Fire departments may need to coordinate with the program for screenings and data sharing, subject to privacy and consent rules.

Timeline and status

  • Current status: Referred to the Banking & Insurance Committee (as of June 25, 2026).
  • No votes recorded yet in the available materials; committee referred action is the preliminary step before floor consideration.

Notes

  • The bill includes multiple co-sponsors from both major parties, indicating cross-partisan interest in firefighter health.
  • Specific dollar amounts, procurement rules, eligibility criteria, and detailed funding mechanisms will be clarified in the bill’s text and any accompanying fiscal notes.

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

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