HARRISBURG — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50) to support local fire departments and emergency service providers was approved today by the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee.
Senate Bill 330 would require major league and collegiate sports teams who conduct 50/50 drawings at sporting events to devote 5% of the raffle revenues to the Office of State Fire Commissioner’s Fire Company and EMS Grant Program, which will then increase the amount grant dollars distributed statewide to local firefighters and EMS companies.
“I’m grateful for all that our emergency responders do to protect our families and communities. Faced with dwindling ranks, and rising costs for trucks and equipment, our local firefighters have increasingly been met with steep challenges,” said Brooks. “It is my hope this measure will strengthen funding opportunities for our local fire departments and emergency service providers. We need to continue supporting these dedicated departments by increasing their ability to raise the revenue required to help fund the public safety services they provide across the state.”
Under the legislation, the 5% allocation would come from the philanthropic portion of the 50/50 revenue. Remaining proceeds would continue to be distributed in accordance with the current Sports Raffles Charities Act.
Brooks has championed several initiatives that have become law to strengthen fire departments and emergency services. She authored Act 106 of 2019, which enabled volunteer firefighters to complete required training online, allowing them to build critical skills without sacrificing personal vacation time or time with their families. More recently, Act 25 of 2025 allows job training credits to count toward Firefighter I Certification, giving volunteer recruits a more flexible and practical pathway to earning their full credentials.
“Every dollar can make a difference for a local fire department,” said Brooks. “I will continue to support the men and women who, on a daily basis, put their lives on the line for us. Their selflessness and dedication are truly an inspiration to me.”
Senate Bill 330 now heads to the Senate for consideration.