Bill > A00978

This bill amends the New York labor law to protect volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance service members from job termination when they are absent from or late to work due to responding to an emergency. Specifically, the bill prohibits employers from firing an employee who misses work because they are performing duties as a volunteer firefighter or enrolled volunteer ambulance service member. The bill allows employers to request documentation from the head of the volunteer service verifying the emergency response, and employers can charge the absence against other leave types the employee may have available. The authorized absence includes travel time to and from the emergency response. This legislation aims to support emergency service volunteers by ensuring they can respond to critical community needs without risking their primary employment, recognizing the vital role these volunteers play in local emergency response systems.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A978