Bill > A00527

This bill modifies existing insurance law regarding the distribution of foreign and alien fire insurance premium taxes to fire departments. Currently, when such payments are made to a fire department's treasurer or fiscal officer, they distribute the funds to fire companies within that department. The bill introduces a new requirement that, beginning in 2025, these funds must be distributed proportionally based on the number of "active members" within each fire company. The bill specifically defines an "active member" as a firefighter who participates in firefighting duties and is subject to being called for assignments under the fire department's rules and regulations. This change applies to distributions made both in March and July of each year, ensuring that fire companies receive funding that more directly reflects their current staffing and operational capacity. By tying funding to active membership, the bill aims to create a more equitable method of allocating fire insurance premium tax revenues among local fire companies.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A527