WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2087

An Act amending the act of June 2, 1915 (P.L.736, No.338), known as the Workers' Compensation Act, in additional coverages, further providing for definitions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Brennan and 16 co-sponsors

Expands workers’ compensation to cover injuries volunteers incur during organized fundraising activities for volunteer fire, ambulance, and rescue squads.

Referred to Labor & Industry
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2087

Summary of Bill: HB 2087 (Session 2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Title

An Act amending the act of June 2, 1915 (P.L.736, No.338), known as the Workers' Compensation Act, in additional coverages, further providing for definitions.

Purpose and Intent

  • Expand the scope of Workers’ Compensation benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act to include certain activities by volunteer emergency responders.
  • Specifically, adds “engaging in organized fundraising activities” to the activities during which volunteers are considered “employees” and thus eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Key Provisions

  • Targeted groups:
    • Members of volunteer fire departments/companies
    • Members of volunteer ambulance corps
    • Volunteer rescue and lifesaving squads
  • Expanded coverage: Currently, volunteers are covered for injuries incurred while actively engaged in emergency-related work, traveling to/from an emergency, drills, equipment repair, etc. The bill adds coverage for injuries sustained while these volunteers are engaging in organized fundraising activities.
  • Effective date: The provisions would take effect 60 days after enactment.
  • Coverage scope: Applies to workers’ compensation benefits (medical benefits and indemnity) for injuries arising during the specified fundraising activities, as part of the volunteers’ “employment” status under the Act.

Fiscal Impact

  • Agency/Fund: State Workers’ Insurance Fund (SWIF)
  • Estimated effect: Likely increase in claims and associated medical/indemnity payments due to expanded coverage for volunteers.
  • Portfolio considerations: SWIF carries about 900 volunteer firefighter policies, representing roughly 25% of its portfolio. Additional claims could influence loss costs and, in turn, premiums for other SWIF policyholders.
  • Timing of costs: The 60-day effective date pushes potential costs into Fiscal Year 2026-27.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Volunteer emergency responders (fire, ambulance, rescue, lifesaving squads) who participate in organized fundraising activities.
  • SWIF policyholders and, more broadly, premiums for employers and entities insured under SWIF due to potential changes in loss costs.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Passed through several committee and chamber actions, with recent actions in April 2026 indicating final consideration and passage.
  • Effective date: 60 days after enactment.
  • Fiscal note timing: Notes potential costs beginning in FY 2026-27.

Practical Implications

  • Volunteer organizations may experience changes in workers’ compensation administration, including eligibility determinations and potential increases in claim filings tied to fundraising activities.
  • Employers insured through SWIF might see adjustments in premium calculations if the loss cost multiplier is affected by a higher volume or cost of claims.

Summary

HB 2087 broadens workers’ compensation protection for volunteer emergency responders by explicitly stating that injuries incurred while engaging in organized fundraising activities are within the scope of “employment” for purposes of workers’ compensation. The bill would take effect 60 days after enactment and is expected to have fiscal implications for SWIF due to potential increases in claims, with secondary effects on premiums for other SWIF policyholders.

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

Sign in to ask a question.