I plan to reintroduce legislation very similar to Senate Bill 522 of last session, which will offer a reduced fee for hunting and fishing licenses for volunteer firefighters, volunteer emergency medical service technicians, and volunteer special fire police officers in our Commonwealth. Last session, SB 522 only applied to volunteer firefighters.

This is a small but meaningful way to thank those who volunteer their time and risk their lives to serve our communities. As the ranks of our volunteer emergency responders continue to decline, the brave men and women who continue to answer the call deserve this small token of appreciation from the communities they protect and serve.

SB 522 unanimously passed the Senate last session, and was cosponsored by Senators Boscola, Santarsiero, Dillon, Stefano, Bartolotta, Langerholc, J. Ward, Costa and Yaw.

I hope that you will join me in cosponsoring this important piece of legislation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.