Struzzi Bill Passes Legislature, Heads to Governor’s Desk for Signature

October 19, 2026

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) announced today his “return to service” legislation has been passed by the House and Senate. Senate Bill 782 by Senator Judy Ward (R- Blair, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata & Mifflin Counties) contains the exact same wording as House Bill 2032, which was authored by Struzzi, and now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

“Earlier this session, I introduced HB 2032, named ‘Return to Service,’” Struzzi said. “This bill would let retirees from the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) and the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) return to work part-time as state-certified EMS, police, or fire instructors without impacting their pension benefits. This change will help meet the need for part-time instructors across Pennsylvania to train future firefighters, police officers, and EMS workers.”

Struzzi noted that Pennsylvania’s Retirement Code has a few exceptions that let state retirees return to work and still receive their pension. But these exceptions do not cover retired employees who want to work part-time as fire, police, or EMS instructors. This bill addresses that gap.

“Two constituents—a retired police officer and a retired medical first responder—told me about this issue,” Struzzi added. “Because these jobs are physically demanding, my constituents were ready to retire from active duty but still wanted to help train the next generation of EMS and police officers. Around the same time, Senator Judy Ward worked on a bill to let retired firefighters serve as instructors at the state fire academy and other training schools. Rather than authoring two separate bills, we combined our efforts to introduce companion bills in each chamber.”

“I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Senator Judy Ward for working with me on this issue. The Commonwealth will be a safer place because of this legislation,” Struzzi concluded.

Comments from House State Government Committee meeting on SB 782 by Rep. Struzzi here. 

Representative Jim Struzzi
62nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Charlie O’Neill
717.787.1711
coneill@pahousegop.com
repstruzzi.com / Facebook.com/RepStruzzi