Bill > S01825

This bill establishes the New York State Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary Fund, which will receive 41.7% of revenues from the public safety communications surcharge. Currently, these funds would have gone to the state general fund, but now they will be directed to this new special fund specifically designed to support volunteer fire departments. The fund will be jointly managed by the state comptroller and the commissioner of taxation and finance, and the money will be used to provide grants to volunteer fire departments for various purposes, including purchasing personal protective equipment, turnout gear, hazmat systems, communications technology, renovating fire department buildings, and funding recruitment and retention programs. The bill aims to provide financial support to volunteer fire departments across New York State by creating a dedicated funding source for their essential needs and operational improvements. The new fund will take effect on the first day of January following the bill's enactment.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1825