HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — More volunteer fire companies rely on nonprofit status to survive, but it comes with a fee.

A bill in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, which passed the House in a unanimous vote Monday, would change that. Known as House Bill 1084, it would eliminate a $125 nonprofit filing fee for the companies.

“This fee imposes a financial burden on volunteer fire companies that provide an essential public service,” said Rep. Joe McAndrew (D-Allegheny), who sponsored the bill, in a co-sponsorship memo.

The Commonwealth has more volunteer fire companies than any other state. By registering as a nonprofit, its more than 2,300 volunteer companies would be eligible for more state grants and funding.

The bill comes as companies across PA struggle to find volunteers and meet demands in their communities. More than 8,000 volunteers are lost each year, according to Be a PA Firefighter, which advocates for recruitment and retention at volunteer fire companies.

“All citizens should feel that their town or city is equipped to deal with emergencies resulting from fires,” Rep. McAndrew said.

This is not the first time the House has passed a bill seeking to remove nonprofit fees for fire companies. Last year, it passed House Bill 1885, which Rep. McAndrew also sponsored. However, the Senate failed to bring it to a vote before lawmakers left Harrisburg for the year.

The new bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.