Employers may soon receive tax credit for allowing volunteer first responders to leave work for emergencies and training.
The legislation introduced by state Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, unanimously passed Thursday in the House and now awaits Senate approval.
"It's part of dealing with the dramatic decline in emergency service volunteers," Knowles said Monday. "It's no secret it becomes more and more of a challenge to get more people to sign on as volunteers and I think we need to continue to think of ways to get them involved and keep them involved."
Current law provides protection to employees who respond to emergency calls before they are scheduled to report to work, but not during their shifts. House Bill 1632 will change that and will also prohibit both private and public employers from refusing to hire or employ someone because they are a member of a volunteer emergency service organization.
"There are small businesses throughout the area that allow their volunteers to go out and fight fires," Knowles said. "I'm hoping it will be helpful for those who already do it, but I hope that it also encourages others to do it."
The bill also authorizes the commonwealth and its subdivision to choose to allow employees to leave work with or without pay.
John Matz, Schuylkill County Emergency Management coordinator, said emergency services are often short staffed during the work day.
"Certainly if there's a significant need, it would be nice to draw on these people," Matz said. "I think we experience short staffing much more than you might think."
While some businesses in Schuylkill County already allow volunteers to leave work, Matz said employers have a lot to consider before making that decision.
"When you do that as a small business owner, it's a significant benefit to the municipality and citizens. Basically, you're saying I'm putting the needs of the community ahead of my small business."
Matz said a lot of businesses moved to 12-hour shifts and that has made it difficult to schedule training.
The bill allows volunteers to leave work for five days of training a year.
Knowles said he hopes the legislation moves as quickly through the Senate like it did in the House.
"To me, it's a no-brainer and I think it shows since it passed unanimously," Knowles said.