Bill > A08486

This bill amends the Tax Law and State Finance Law to use a portion of the public safety communications surcharge to establish the New York State Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary Fund. The fund will provide grants to volunteer fire departments in the state for the purchase of personal protective equipment, turnout gear, hazmat systems, communications technology, and for the renovation or restoration of fire department buildings, as well as to fund recruitment and retention programs. The bill specifies that the fund will be established in the joint custody of the State Comptroller and the Commissioner of Taxation and Finance, and that the monies in the fund will be separate and not commingled with other state funds.