Ciresi bill to extend state death benefits to public works employees overwhelmingly passes PA House

Rep. Joseph Ciresi May 6, 2026 | 1:50 PM

HARRISBURG, May 6 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recognized the critical service that public works employees provide in emergency settings by overwhelmingly passing legislation (196–5) Tuesday that would extend to them the same state death benefits that first responders who lose their lives on the job receive.

According to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, the impetus for H.B. 1485 was to provide parity for public works employees who lose their lives on the job protecting Pennsylvanians -- just as the state does for first responders.

“Public works employees are the ‘silent arm of public safety’ -- they’re the first on the scene of an emergency and the last to leave,” Ciresi said. “Our families, our homes, and our lives are safe because these public workers risk their lives daily under all kinds of conditions. It’s past time to give them the recognition and respect they deserve, as we do for first responders.”

House Bill 1485 is modeled after a similar law passed in New Hampshire in 2022.

The legislation now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

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