The Pennsylvania Senate recently passed a pair of bills that will aid first responders.
Senate Bill 82 aims to extend license fee exemptions to service dogs that are integral for fire departments, sheriff’s offices and rescue services. The exemption currently applies to municipal and state police departments, but Senate leaders recognized the value that service dogs bring to all areas of law enforcement. Notable examples include aiding in search and rescue missions and providing critical support during medical emergencies.
The exemption from licensing fees aims to minimize financial barriers for agencies relying on these specially-trained dogs, and it addresses challenges created by a revision to the state’s dog law that prohibited out-of-state residents from boarding their dogs in state-based kennels.
The second bill, titled Senate Bill 522, would enable volunteer firefighters to obtain discounted hunting and fishing licenses across the state. Currently, resident adult hunting licenses cost $20.97, while fishing licenses cost $27.07. The legislation would reduce the cost of each to $1 for volunteer firefighters who have served at least the previous 12 months in the Commonwealth.
Both bills now head to Governor Shapiro’s desk.
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