Pennsylvania Law Allows Qualified Retirees to Teach EMS Courses Without Losing Pensions
Pennsylvania has enacted a new law, signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro, allowing qualified retirees to work as EMS instructors without losing their pensions. The bill, Act 97 of 2026, aims to address a shortage of qualified trainers for emergency responders.
Harrisburg Lancaster Lebanon York, PA, October 24, 2026 —
Pennsylvania has enacted Act 97 of 2026, a law signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro that allows qualified retirees to work as emergency medical services instructors without losing their pensions. The measure is intended to address a shortage of qualified trainers for emergency responders.
The summary of the law does not specify which retirees qualify, what requirements instructors must meet, or whether the law sets limits on the work they may perform. It also does not provide an effective date or further details about how the measure will be implemented.
The available information does not identify the number of qualified EMS trainers currently in short supply, describe how the shortage affects training, or estimate how many retirees could take instructor roles under the law. No financial figures or statements from the governor, lawmakers, retirees or emergency services organizations were provided.
Act 97 of 2026 is the bill designation given in the available summary. Beyond allowing qualified retirees to teach EMS courses without losing their pensions, the summary does not describe other provisions or changes made by the law.
The measure’s stated aim is to expand the pool of qualified trainers for emergency responders. Further information about eligibility, implementation and the law’s expected reach was not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Kyle Morgan on www.abc27.com, see more information here.
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