Relates to granting academic credit to volunteer firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers and volunteer emergency medical technicians

Section 2 amends the Education Law by adding a new section authorizing the granting of course credit for volunteer firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers, and volunteer emergency medical technicians through the State University system.

Section 3 amends § 6202 of the Education Law by defining the terms "volunteer firefighter," "volunteer ambulance worker," and "volunteer emergency medical technician," for the sections of law relating to the City University of New York.

Section 4 amends the Education Law by adding a new section authorizing the granting of course credit for volunteer firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers, and volunteer emergency medical technicians through the City University system.

Section 5 is the effective date.

Existing law

The terms "volunteer firefighter," "volunteer ambulance worker," and "volunteer emergency medical technician," are defined pursuant to other sections of law.

Volunteer firefighter is defined pursuant to § 3(1) of the Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit Law, which states, "volunteer fireman means an active volunteer member of a fire company."

Volunteer ambulance worker is defined pursuant to § 3(1) of the Volunteer Ambulance Workers Benefit Law, which states, "volunteer ambulance worker means an active volunteer member of an ambulance company as specified on a list regularly maintained by that company for the purpose of this chapter."

Volunteer emergency medical technician is defines pursuant to § 3001(6) of the Public Health Law, which states, "emergency medical technician means an individual who meets the minimum requirements established by regulations pursuant to § 3002 of this Article, and who is responsible for administration or supervision of initial emergency medical care and transportation of sick or injured persons." Section 3002 of the Public Health Law creates the New York State Emergency Medical Services Council and authorizes the Council to enact, amend, and repeal the rules and regulations for establishing standards for ambulance and related public health services.

Article 14 of the Education Law pertains to the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. Part 2 of this Article provides the provisions related to student financial aid and subpart 2 provides general awards. Currently, the general awards subpart does not authorize the granting of course credit for volunteer firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers and volunteer emergency medical technicians.

Justification

The men and women who protect public health and safety as volunteer firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers and volunteer emergency medical technicians play a vital role in communities across New York State.

In becoming volunteer emergency responders, individuals are required to complete extensive training that enables them to meet the demands of their volunteer work. These courses teach volunteers a wide variety of skills, many of which are already part of courses that could help a student successfully earn a SUNY diploma.

This bill would help to support volunteer responders by allowing them to earn college credits for the completion of certain courses that were part of their training. In addition, while volunteering to serve one's community can be personally satisfying and rewarding, this bill provides an additional incentive to attract new recruits.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first July next succeeding the date on which is shall have become law,