Bill > A02039

This bill amends the general municipal law to expand the circumstances under which volunteer firefighters can lose their service award program benefits. Specifically, the bill broadens an existing provision that previously only applied to arson convictions to now include any felony committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district. Under the proposed change, a volunteer firefighter convicted of such a felony would be ineligible to receive benefits from a service award program and would forfeit all past and future rights to those benefits. A service award program is typically a benefit system designed to provide financial recognition and support for volunteer firefighters who have dedicated significant time to their community. The bill aims to ensure that volunteer firefighters who commit serious crimes against their own fire departments cannot continue to receive financial benefits meant to honor their service, thereby maintaining the integrity and public trust in volunteer firefighting organizations.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2039