First responders run toward danger and, unfortunately, sometimes pay the ultimate price for their service. When this occurs, the surviving family is forced to face many challenges: not just emotional stresses like grief or anger, but also financial strain. While Pennsylvania does provide a one-time death benefit payment to the surviving spouse or minor children of a fallen first responder, the financial hardships experienced by these families can last for years.
 
To provide more long-term assistance, we plan to re-introduce legislation that provides property tax relief to spouses and families of fallen first responders. Following the death of a first responder, our bill would ensure that the Commonwealth cover the cost of the property tax of the primary residence of the deceased individual for the first five years following their death. While this would not take away the burden of loss, this legislation could help ease the financial pressures in those tough times for the families of fallen first responders.
 
Please join us in providing additional needed assistance to the surviving families members of first responders who have given their lives protecting us.

Prior Co-Sponsors (HB 1022): CIRESI, O'MARA, R. MACKENZIE, HANBIDGE, McNEILL, MADDEN, GALLAGHER, PROBST, D. WILLIAMS, BURGOS, GUENST, SANCHEZ, CERRATO, DEASY, MARCELL, HILL-EVANS, DELLOSO, PARKER, STEELE, NEILSON, OTTEN, CONKLIN and MALAGARI

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0530: P.L.424, No.101