Pennsylvania's youngest volunteer firefighters and EMS members can now train later into the evening under a new law signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro on Oct. 22.

Act 78 of 2026 sets a uniform 10 p.m. curfew year-round for 14- and 15-year-old emergency service volunteers. The old rules under the state's Child Labor Act allowed those teens to participate until 10 p.m. before a school day but cut the limit to 9 p.m. on weekends, holidays and during summer breaks, as The Center Square first reported.

The law also permits volunteers ages 14 and older to ride in official emergency vehicles to fire and other emergency scenes. Teens must stick to activities authorized for their age, and transportation must comply with federal regulations. Written parental or guardian consent is required.

The bill, House Bill 2014, was introduced by Rep. Greg Scott, D-Norristown. It passed the House 202-0 on June 29 and cleared the Senate 50-0 on Oct. 19 before reaching Shapiro's desk. It takes effect 60 days after signing.

Why it matters

Bucks County fire companies, like departments across the state, have struggled for years to fill volunteer rosters. In a memorandum seeking support for the bill, Scott cited estimates that Pennsylvania has roughly one-tenth as many volunteer firefighters as it did five decades ago.

"We're in crisis," Scott said. "Many of our emergency response organizations are chronically understaffed and unable to respond efficiently to calls."

Scott said the previous restrictions made it difficult for some fire companies to schedule training and prepare young volunteers for future service. Under state law, teens may join a volunteer fire company as young as 14 with written parental consent.

Harmonville Fire Company No. 1 Chief John Hoffman voiced support for the measure, saying the uniform curfew "removes unnecessary barriers while helping fire companies recruit, train and retain the next generation of firefighters."

No public comment from Doylestown, Buckingham or New Britain-area fire companies on the new law was available as of publication.

Residents interested in volunteer fire or EMS opportunities can contact their local fire company directly.