SB 1053 Pennsylvania Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

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 the definition of "employe."

SB 1053 amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to expand the definition of "employe" to include volunteer emergency personnel. It specifically adds coverage for members of volunteer fire departments, ambulance corps, and rescue squads who perform operational support duties (such as fundraising, equipment maintenance, or administrative tasks) on a regular, approved basis - *not* just emergency response. This change ensures these volunteers qualify for workers' compensation if injured during approved activities, while explicitly excluding "social members" who do not perform operational duties. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Bill status passed 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Oct 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Governor
Introduced Oct 15, 2025 Last action Apr 28, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Printer's No. PN1230 Printer's No. PN1648 · 3 edits
MINOR
The bill was amended to expand coverage for volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members by explicitly including time spent organizing or carrying out fundraising activities as compensable work. It also clarifies that operational support duties, such as maintaining equipment or providing administrative help, count as active service if done regularly for the benefit of the organization. These changes ensure that volunteers receive compensation for a broader range of essential tasks beyond just emergency responses.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to include specific non-emergency activities, such as fundraising and operational support, as compensable time for volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members.
ELIGIBILITY

Added explicit coverage for time spent organizing or carrying out fundraising activities for volunteer fire and ambulance groups.

Defined 'operational support' to include tasks like equipment maintenance, technology support, and recruitment, making them compensable if performed regularly.

DEFINITION

Updated definitions to clarify that members performing these new categories of duties are entitled to compensation under the same conditions as emergency responders.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 24, 2026 · House Apr 28, 2026

How they voted

490
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 50
Mar 24, 2026
D Democratic23
23 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican27
26 Yea 1
96% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
12
Key actions
5
Committee
5
Amendments
1
Apr 28, 2026
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (26-0)
house
Apr 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
Re-reported as amended
lower
Mar 24, 2026
Committee
Referred to Labor & Industry
lower
Mar 24, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third consideration and final passage
upper
Mar 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Re-reported as committed
upper
Mar 23, 2026
Committee
Re-referred to Appropriations
upper
Mar 18, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported as committed
upper
Oct 15, 2025
Committee
Referred to Labor & Industry
upper
1 primary · 11 co-sponsors

Sponsors