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History
- Substituted by A1020B
- Amended on third reading 6609a
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.529
- Referred to local government
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Authorizes volunteer firefighters from other states to offer and provide their services to fire departments, districts and companies in this state
Vetoed · Sponsor Aileen Gunther
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
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 adds a new subdivision 1-c to Section 209-i of the General Municipal Law, authorizing out-of-state firefighters to volunteer their services to a volunteer fire company or department when such company or department has been authorized to accept such services by their governing body. Once accepted by a fire company or fire department, the out-of-state firefighter would be entitled to all benefits of a volunteer firefighter in this state except for participation in service award programs and presumption coverage for certain conditions under the Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit Law.
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. Many 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
2015:S.1367 Passed Senate 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.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.