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Rep. Roman Kozak’s bill would let firefighters direct traffic in emergencies
Summary
The House Transportation Committee reported House Bill 1941, sponsored by Rep. Roman Kozak, to give uniformed firefighters and fire police explicit authority to direct traffic during emergencies; the committee recorded no negative votes and reported the bill as committed.
The House Transportation Committee reported House Bill 1941 on a voice vote after a brief presentation and sponsor remarks.
Jake Dupp, a committee staffer, told members that "the bill allows a uniformed firefighter or uniformed fire police to direct traffic in an emergency" and that PENNDOT supports the change. Dupp noted current authority resides in Title 35 of the statutes for fire police at or near fires.
Sponsor Rep. Roman Kozak described how a local magistrate, Steve Kneecaster, flagged the issue while reviewing an unrelated matter: "[he] ended up looking at the transportation code and realized that our firefighters are unable to direct traffic in emergency situations by statute," Kozak said, calling the measure a "quick fix" to avoid legal problems and improve public safety.
Committee members raised no objections. Chairman Nielsen asked for negative votes; "Seeing none, 19 41 will be reported as committed," the chair said, recording the committee's action.
The bill as reported would add explicit authority for uniformed firefighters and fire police to regulate traffic during emergencies; it does not itself appropriate funds. The committee took no further action during the meeting.
