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Motion of the Council of Allegheny County urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to Pass House Bill 453, recognizing the importance of emergency call takers, dispatchers, and supervisors by adding these individuals to the definition of “emergency responders,” with all deliberate speed.
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WHEREAS, 9-1-1 employees provide critical information to emergency units en route to a scene, during the incident, and often by coordinating resources after the incident has been brought under control; and
WHEREAS, despite the critical importance of these employees and their function as essential first responders, they are not currently recognized as such under Commonwealth law; and
WHEREAS, it is the judgment of Council that correcting this shortcoming would be a positive step forward toward ensuring that these dedicated professionals are properly identified and recognized for their critical work; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania House of Representatives Bill 453 (HB 453, attached)) would create a universal definition for 9-1-1 call takers, dispatchers, and supervisors, and would codify these individuals as first responders; and
WHEREAS, this change could have positive implications for these employees’ professional status, benefits, and mental wellness support by potentially extending to them the same protections, recognition, and support afforded to other first responders; and
WHEREAS, introduced on February 3, 2025, HB 453 was laid on the table on March 17, but was removed from the table on March 26; and
WHEREAS, as of the date of drafting of this motion, no further proceedings are scheduled for HB 453;
The Council of the County of Allegheny therefore hereby moves as follows:
Allegheny County Council hereby urges the Pennsylvania State Senate to pass House Bill 1305 and the General Assembly to pass HB 453 with all deliberate speed.