AFSCME 911 Telecommunicators Celebrate Major Victory at HB 453 Bill Signing

After years of advocating for the recognition and support they deserve, AFSCME public safety telecommunicators celebrated a major victory as Governor Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 453, now known as Act 66 of 2026, into law.

911 telecommunicators from multiple counties traveled to Harrisburg to join the Governor for the bill signing. Attendees included Barbara Bowles, Brayden Bowles, and Zachary Ishman of Local 1485 in York County; Dan Harold and Veronica Felker of Local 3107 in Delaware County; and Diana Biehl and Larry Kerper of Local 462 in Berks County.

The new law adds 911 telecommunicators, including call takers and dispatchers, to Pennsylvania’s legal definition of emergency responders and expands access to the state’s Emergency Responder Mental Wellness and Stress Management program to all public safety answering point (PSAP) telecommunicators.

For 911 dispatchers like Barbara Bowles in York County, the achievement is deeply personal. As the first point of contact for people experiencing emergencies, dispatchers provide critical support in moments of crisis, often carrying the emotional weight of those calls long after their shifts end.

“As 911 dispatchers, we’re often the first to hear someone’s worst moment, and those calls stay with us. After York County lost four officers in the line of duty in 2025, the emotional toll of this work became especially personal for our community,” Bowles said.

“Being there for the bill signing and seeing this legislation become law was incredibly meaningful. Recognizing 911 telecommunicators as first responders and expanding access to mental wellness resources is an important step toward ensuring the people who help others through tragedy get the recognition and support they deserve, too.”

Dan Harold, President of AFSCME Local 3107 and a 911 dispatcher in Delaware County, emphasized the significance of the new law and the need to continue advocating for the profession.

“As a 911 dispatcher for nearly 20 years, the passage of Act 66 of 2026 is a huge first step in recognizing us for what we truly are: first responders. It now gives us the same mental health benefits as police, fire and EMS personnel across the state. I've witnessed firsthand the stress – both mental and physical – that this job demands, and we thank Governor Shapiro and the Pennsylvania General Assembly for their support in passing this bill. Our work doesn't stop here, as more legislation is needed to reclassify 911 dispatchers at the federal level,” Harold said.

The legislation was sponsored by state Rep. Jessica Benham, who championed HB 453 through the General Assembly, where it received unanimous support in both chambers.

“When someone calls 911, a telecommunicator is literally the first person to respond,” Benham said. “Gathering critical information, coordinating help and guiding people through a life-threatening situation is a difficult and vital role. These professionals deserve formal recognition for their work and access to better mental health supports.”

AFSCME members played an important role in pushing this legislation forward, sharing their experiences and advocating for the resources their profession deserves. We also recognize Representative Benham's leadership in championing this legislation and the bipartisan support that helped make it law.

While Act 66 of 2026 represents meaningful progress, Council 13 members will continue fighting for equitable protections and safe working conditions for all public employees.

This achievement is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together. When legislators, workers, and advocates come together around a shared goal, and AFSCME members speak up and make their voices heard, we can turn shared priorities into real progress for our members, our professions, and the communities we serve.