Authorizes volunteer firefighters from other states to offer and provide their services to fire departments, districts and companies in this state

3 Co-sponsors

• Kathleen A. Marchione
• Thomas F. O'Mara
• Patty Ritchie

BILL NUMBER:S1367

Title of bill

An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to authorizing volunteer firefighters from other states to provide assistance to fire departments, companies and districts in this state

Purpose

Authorizes volunteer firefighters from other states to offer and provide their services to fire departments, districts and companies in this State.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends subdivision 1, 1-a and 3 of section 209-i of the general municipal law to permit a volunteer firefighter, who resides outside of New York State, to offer their services to a fire department, company or district within New York State for a fire or other emergency, ambulance services or training. The definition of a volunteer firefighter is amended to include the definition of a volunteer firefighter from the firefighter's state of residence.

Section 2 provides that this act shall take effect immediately.

Justification

Summer time in New York brings many tourists in to visit state attractions and with it a sharp increase in population. This warm weather brings with it millions of visitors interested in the arts, sports, natural history and cultural center attractions of New York State.

There are many individuals who have been trained as volunteer firefighters and even served in New York state before taking up primary residence in another state. any often come back to reside in New York for several months a year during tourist seasons when an influx of people to various regions of the state puts a greater demand on emergency services.

This bill would clarify an ambiguity that prevents out of state volunteer firemen from volunteering in local fire departments during the time period when they are temporarily residing in New York. It will also help in rural counties where volunteer fire departments will be able to recruit firefighters from bordering states.

By allowing out of state individuals to volunteer while in New York, fire departments would have additional staff to cope with the burgeoning populations and emergency services that are needed during tourist seasons.

Legislative history

2013,2014: S.2679-A/A.9388 Passed Senate 2011,2012: S.4785/A.10172 Referred to Local Government

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.