Bill > A00942

This bill establishes a statewide fire protection and emergency response task force comprised of eight members appointed by various state leaders, including the governor, assembly speaker, senate president, and minority leaders. The task force will develop a comprehensive plan focusing on training requirements and standards specifically for fire prevention and emergency response services in rural areas, which are defined as counties with populations under 200,000 or towns with population densities of 150 persons or less per square mile. The task force's primary objectives include examining current regulations, creating less burdensome standards to encourage volunteer participation, and evaluating the potential need for uniform standards across the state. Two of the governor's appointees must be from the Fireman's Association of the State of New York or the state fire prevention and control office. The task force is required to issue a report within ten months of the bill's effective date, providing recommendations to the legislature regarding potential legal or regulatory changes to improve rural fire and emergency services.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A942