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Senate Approves Thompson Bill Allowing Aid in Emergencies
PA Lacks Law Authorizing
Sharing of Resources After a Disaster
HARRISBURG -- The
Senate today approved legislation introduced by Senator Robert J. Thompson,
R-Chester and Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which would set
specific guidelines for political subdivisions to donate or lend resources
during an emergency.
Senate Bill 928 now heads to
the House of Representatives for consideration.
Senator Thompson said the
need for the provisions included in Senate Bill 928 became apparent after two
devastating hurricanes slammed the Gulf Coast last year. Many local governments
opened their warehouses and offered leave to their employees as a way to help in
the relief efforts in the Gulf Coast. Yet, even as that aid headed south, a
question arose as to whether state law allowed those municipalities to take
those steps.
“We took the question to the
state Local Government Commission and found out that there is nothing in state
statute that addressed that issue,” said Senator Thompson. “It wasn't
specifically permitted or prohibited. In fact, it was a gray area, especially
when it came to donating and/or lending resources that were purchased using
taxpayers' money.
“For example, say a community
has an old, but serviceable water pump in storage. Currently, some questions
could arise whether the community could lend or give the pump to help the
relief effort in New Orleans without letting it go out for competitive bidding
first,” Senator Thompson continued. “My bill clearly states the conditions
under which that assistance could be provided and codifies them in state
statute.”
Under SB 928, political
subdivisions (counties, municipalities, school districts) could provide the aid
within 60 days of a state of emergency declared by the President or Governor and
further that the assistance, be it goods or personnel, be provided with no
detriment to the local subdivision.
Senator Thompson's
legislation would not affect any of the mutual aid agreements currently existing
in the Commonwealth. Those agreements are usually designed to allow
municipalities to provide police, fire department and/or EMS services during
emergencies.
“My bill is enabling
legislation, not a restrictive bill,” Senator Thompson said. “We have seen
several major catastrophes in our nation, especially since 9-11. In those
cases, the scope of the disaster simply overwhelmed the local resources. Many
individuals and communities in Pennsylvania answered the call for help then and
will do so again in the future as necessary. My bill provides a standard under
which the assistance can be provided.”
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