South Central PA News

Senator Doug Mastriano has put forward new legislation aimed at amending Pennsylvania's state law to ensure that families of certain first responders are not excluded from receiving "Line of Duty" death benefits. The proposed legislation, known as 'Joshua’s Law,' is named in memory of Firefighter Joshua Laird, who died while serving in Maryland on August 11, 2021. Although Laird was a long-time resident of Pennsylvania, his family is currently unable to receive these benefits due to the existing legal framework.

"This proposal, called ‘Joshua’s Law,’ is named after Firefighter Joshua Laird who tragically lost his life in the line of duty," Mastriano stated. "Because he performed his duty in another state, his family can’t receive Pennsylvania 'Line of Duty' death benefits due to the way our state law is written."

Senate Bill 1339 aims to amend this oversight in the current law. Mastriano highlighted that many first responders live and pay taxes in Pennsylvania but work across state lines. "Many of our first responders live here in Pennsylvania. They vote here, worship here, pay taxes here, their children go to school here – their lives are here, and like many of us, they drive to work," he said. "We owe it to them to protect and provide for the families no matter where they make that ultimate sacrifice."

Due to limited voting session days remaining in the 2023-24 legislative session, the bill will be reintroduced during the next session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2025-26.

Senator Doug Mastriano represents Adams and Franklin counties as part of the 33rd Senatorial District and chairs the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. He is also a combat veteran with service experience in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm and multiple deployments to Afghanistan.

For further information about state-related news or initiatives by Senator Mastriano, constituents can visit his official website or follow him on Facebook.

Contact: Don Beishl at 717-787-4651