HARRISBURG - Rep. Ryan Warner's (R-Fayette/Westmoreland) legislation authorizing local governments to enact earned income and property tax liability tax credits for active volunteers of a fire company or emergency medical service (EMS) company passed the House today with unanimous, bipartisan support.

"Thank you to my colleagues in the House for taking a bipartisan stand for those who volunteer their time and risk their lives to ensure the safety of our communities," Warner said.

Warner's proposal, House Bill 1683, would grant municipalities, county governments and school districts the authority to offer active volunteers a tax credit of up to 20 percent of their tax liability. In addition, the bill would require the state fire commissioner to establish the annual requirements of the tax credit program for active volunteers, such as the number of calls responded to, the training undertaken, or qualifying participation in the functions of the organization.

"We all depend on these hard-working and dedicated first responders, who willingly put themselves in harm's way in order to protect our children, homes and businesses. It is our job to support them in any way possible."

The bill will now make its way to the Senate for consideration.