Jan. 20, 2017
HARRISBURG – Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) today re-introduced legislation that would give volunteer fire companies access to vehicle accident reports free of charge.
“Volunteer fire companies are vital to our public safety, but face growing costs,” Ortitay said. “The time needed to raise funds is one of the contributing factors in the decline of volunteer firefighters. By giving fire companies access to accident reports, they will be able to bill insurance companies for actual costs associated with responding to vehicle accidents.”
Under current Pennsylvania law, police vehicle accident reports are available to a limited list of entities for a fee.
House Bill 160 would add volunteer fire companies to this list and exempt them from paying for access. The legislation has 18 co-sponsors.
Currently, the following entities can gain access to the reports: a person involved in the accident and the person’s attorney or insurer; federal government; branches of the military; Commonwealth agencies; officials of political subdivisions; and agencies of other states and nations and the political subdivisions of other states and nations.
“One of my constituents suggested this legislation at my fire and emergency medical services seminar last year,” Ortitay added. “I think it makes sense, and I hope to see it advance this legislative session. Anything we can do to assist our volunteer fire companies should be considered.”
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
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
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