HB 2385 (2025-2026) – Pennsylvania
Overview
HB 2385 amends Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. It focuses on miscellaneous provisions related to emergency management services (EMS) and creates provisions regarding minors serving in volunteer emergency service organizations. The bill also includes a repeal and an editorial change. It has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness as of April 15, 2026. Co-sponsors include Andrew Kuzma, Marty Causer, Dallas Kephart, Justin Fleming, Dane Watro, and Michael Stender.
Purpose and intent
- Expand or clarify rules governing minors who participate in volunteer emergency service organizations.
- Address issues related to the operation and governance of EMS volunteer organizations, potentially balancing youth participation with safety and regulatory concerns.
- Implement a repeal and editorial update within Title 35 to reflect the changes.
Key provisions and changes (as described by the bill’s title and description)
- Minor participation in volunteer emergency service organizations: The bill provides for the involvement of minors in volunteer EMS and related emergency service groups. Details typically covered in such provisions may include:
- Eligibility criteria for minor volunteers (age ranges, qualifications, supervision requirements).
- Roles and duties permissible for minors (non-hazardous, training-supported tasks; limits on certain lifesaving interventions or equipment use for younger volunteers).
- Supervision and safety requirements (responsible adults, background checks, training, protective equipment).
- Educational or community service considerations (recognition, school credit, or insurance considerations).
- Repeal: The bill includes a repeal of a current provision (specific statute not listed in the summary) related to minors or EMS volunteer service, likely to remove an outdated rule or conflicting provision.
- Editorial change: Minor editorial adjustments to improve cross-referencing, language clarity, or formatting within Title 35.
Who would be affected
- Minors aged within the specified range who participate in volunteer EMS or emergency service organizations in Pennsylvania.
- EMS volunteer organizations, including fire departments, rescue squads, and other non-paid emergency responders that operate with volunteer staff.
- Supervising adults, trainers, and leaders within these organizations responsible for youth programs.
- State and local agencies enforcing EMS-related regulations, safety standards, and volunteer service requirements.
- Potentially families of minor volunteers and school districts if participation impacts school activities or credits.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Current status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness (as of 2026-04-15).
- Next steps (typical legislative process): Committee hearings and votes, potential amendments, full House consideration, Senate consideration, and gubernatorial action.
- Effective date: Not specified in the summary; typically, if enacted, the bill would specify an effective date (immediate or a future date) and any phased implementation for EMS organizations.
Notes and considerations
- The specific text of the provisions, including exact age ranges, permissible duties, supervision requirements, and the scope of the repeal, is not provided in the summary. The committee process will reveal the full details, including any funding implications (if training programs or safety improvements require resources) and any regulatory burdens or exemptions for volunteer organizations.
- Interested stakeholders, such as EMS volunteers, youth programs, schools, and local governments, may seek clarifications on liability, insurance, and compliance timelines as the bill advances.
