For Immediate Release
10/8/08

Pippy Bill Creating Statewide Mutual Aid
 Agreement System to be Signed Into Law

Allows counties, municipalities to better respond to natural and manmade disasters.

Harrisburg – Legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37) to assist counties and municipalities in responding to disasters received final legislative approval Tuesday and was sent to the governor to be signed into law.

Senate Bill 1225 establishes a statewide Mutual Aid Committee comprised of state, regional, and local officials, and emergency responders.  The committee is responsible for overseeing the implementation of a statewide mutual aid system including formalizing mutual aid agreements and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of Pennsylvania municipalities, state, and county officials, during disaster responses in which assistance is needed from outside the community in which the emergency occurred.

“Mutual Aid agreements are important for effective and rapid response to manmade and natural disasters that require actions beyond the capacity of the municipality or county in which the incident has occurred,” said Pippy.  “Pennsylvania is one of 15 states without a statewide mutual aid agreement.  As a result, mutual aid at the state, county and local levels is often provided without written agreements and without clearly defined divisions of responsibility.  Such cross-jurisdictional aid often raises questions about liability and workers compensation concerns.”

Senator Pippy thanked Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), who chairs the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, which approved the measure earlier this year.

“Disasters have no political boundaries, but our emergency responders run into all kinds of issues when they step outside of their jurisdiction to lend a hand,” Baker said.  “By eliminating a major administrative hurdle, we make it easier for them to coordinate resources and keep our communities safe during large and small scale emergencies.”

Pippy also thanked state Rep. Paul Costa (D-34), who introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives.

“Senator Pippy and I have been working very hard on this much-needed legislation,” Costa said. “Currently there is no network or system in place whereby different local governments or emergency responders are able to respond to disasters in a coordinated manner. Some areas have created their own mutual agreements, but as a whole, a master framework is lacking. The passage of this bill was a successful bipartisan effort that ultimately makes Pennsylvania a better and safer place to live.”

If a political subdivision chooses to participate, they may request assistance of other participating subdivisions.  Requests would be made through the county 911 center, county emergency management coordinator, authorized designee in the responding county, or the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. If assistance is requested, the subdivision will reimburse the responding subdivision. 

The legislation was drafted in conjunction with the Governor’s Office, PEMA and the University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics. Senator Pippy’s legislation is based on a national model developed in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

“First responders at the local level know that emergencies transcend the boundaries of a political subdivision. Intergovernmental coordination is essential for the protection of lives and property, and for the best use of available public and private assets,” said Pippy. “The foundation for coordination and cooperation in preventing disasters, responding to them, or recovering from them is established through a clearly-written Mutual Aid Agreement. Enactment of this legislation will help more communities build that foundation.”

Contact:

Cheryl Schriner
(717) 787-5839

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