New Law Permits First Responders to Fundraise on Local Roads, Farry Says
HARRISBURG – A new law was enacted last week which gives first responders another option for raising funds to support their operations, said Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks), author of the legislation.
Act 57 allows first responder organizations to solicit donations from occupants of a vehicle on local roadways. Prior to its enactment, on-road solicitation was prohibited by law.
“Our fire and EMS community rely heavily on donations from the public to stay afloat and this additional fundraising opportunity will help them raise the money they need to continue serving our communities,” Farry said.
The law requires permission from the home municipality, limits solicitations to a controlled intersection, and requires the organization to attain the proper insurance liability coverage.
“Safety is everyone’s top priority,” Farry said. “Most first responders are trained to operate in traffic during roadway incidents, so they can participate in this type of fundraising without putting drivers or themselves at risk,” Farry said.
Representatives from state and local public safety organizations also spoke in support of the new law.
“The ability to conduct coin tosses has a positive effect on offsetting current funding deficiencies. More money is needed for equipment and building updates and the coin toss will help our communities a great deal so we don’t have to look at increased taxes to keep our fire department in operation,” said Bruce Offner, president of the Feasterville Fire Company in Bucks County.
“This new will law help firefighters fundraise legally and also helps ensure firefighters do it in manner that does not put the public or firefighters at risk,” added Donald Konkle, executive director of the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute.
Act 57 was signed into law by the governor and goes into effect in 60 days.
Representative Frank Farry
142nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
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