HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania House on October 21 passed realty transfer tax legislation that would assist the family members of police, fire and other first responders who have died in the line of duty.

State Rep. Mike Driscoll sponsored the bill. “Thankfully, the number of families who lose a loved one as a first responder and therefore are eligible for the Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Act benefits is relatively low,” Driscoll said.

“But relief from this tax burden for their beneficiaries will continue to show our appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice of Pennsylvania’s first responders and their families.”

House Bill 269 would exclude a surviving spouse or minor-aged children of a first responder who receive benefits under the Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefit Act from paying the realty transfer tax, if their family home is sold within five years of the first responder’s death.

“First responders have made a tremendous commitment to our communities and are ready and willing to put their lives on the line every day,” Driscoll said. “Offering their family this bit of relief is the least we can do to help repay that sacrifice.”