Adjusted curfew for youth EMS volunteers to become law
Rep. Greg Scott October 21, 2026 | 10:19 AM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – The Pennsylvania Senate yesterday passed H.B. 2014, which would adjust the current curfew rules for minors volunteering with emergency services.
The bill, introduced by state Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, allows minors to engage in training and firefighting activities until 10 p.m. any night of the year.
“The number of Pennsylvania residents volunteering for their local fire companies has been in steady decline since the 1970s,” Scott said. “We’re in crisis. Many of our emergency response organizations are chronically understaffed and unable to respond efficiently to calls. This bill helps position us to grow our volunteer base, starting with our youngest volunteers.”
Under the state’s Child Labor Act, minors can engage in training or firefighting activities until 10 p.m. the night before a school day. Yet on weekends, holidays and over summer academic breaks, that curfew is only 9 p.m.
Scott said that this updated curfew will help support the pipeline of trained volunteers needed to respond to community emergencies.
“The restrictions in the old law are arbitrary and only added a barrier for some companies to adequately train new volunteers,” Scott said. “Making the curfew 10 p.m. year-round is a small change that can make scheduling and holding trainings easier on many volunteer-run outfits. That can make a huge difference in whether minors get the training they need, and continue to serve their communities as they grow older.”
“As Fire Chief of Harmonville Fire Company No.1, I strongly support House Bill 2014. Our junior firefighters are the future of the volunteer fire service, and we must provide them with every opportunity to train, learn and develop their skills,” said John Hoffman, Harmonville Fire Company No.1 fire chief. “Extending the curfew to 10 p.m. year-round is a commonsense change that removes unnecessary barriers while helping fire companies recruit, train and retain the next generation of firefighters. I applaud Representative Greg Scott for recognizing the importance of investing in our youth and the future of Pennsylvania’s volunteer fire service.”
Under state law, youth may join a volunteer fire company as young as 14 with written consent from a parent or guardian.
The bill passed the state Senate unanimously. It now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.