House Passes Ortitay Bill to Assist Volunteer Fire, EMS Companies Recoup Costs

October 28, 2019

HARRISBURG — The House today approved legislation authored by Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) to exempt volunteer fire and emergency medical service (EMS) providers from paying a fee for accident reports for insurance billing purposes.

Under current law, copies of vehicle accident reports issued by local and State Police are furnished for a fee. In the case of a Pennsylvania State Police report, it costs $22 per copy.

“Without insurance information, it is difficult for fire and EMS companies to recoup some of the costs involved in responding to and handling an accident scene,” Ortitay said. “Cecil Township’s Lawrence Volunteer Fire Department alerted me that they have to pay a fee to obtain a copy of an accident report, which makes it more difficult to collect billable payments from insurance companies thus increasing its fundraising burden. Our emergency responders should not have to pay a fee to gather this vital information.”

House Bill 1758 would allow volunteer fire and EMS companies to receive a free copy of a vehicle accident report for insurance purposes. The bill is a part of the House Republican Caucus’ “Helpers and Heroes” initiative, which is a package of bills aimed at supporting Pennsylvania’s volunteer first responders. The initiative is a response to the results of Senate Resolution 6, which established a bipartisan, bicameral commission to recommend improvements to the delivery of emergency services in Pennsylvania. 

The bill now heads to the Senate for its review.

The 46th Legislative District includes Collier and South Fayette townships and Bridgeville, Heidelberg, McDonald and Oakdale boroughs in Allegheny County. It also encompasses Canton, Cecil, Mt. Pleasant, Robinson and Smith townships and Burgettstown, McDonald and Midway boroughs in Washington County.

Representative Jason Ortitay
46th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives