Bill > S02658

This bill makes two primary changes to New York state law: first, it modifies the General Municipal Law to allow counties, cities, towns, and villages to establish special districts for general ambulance services, with the requirement that any existing local districts serving the same jurisdiction must be dissolved. These special districts can be created using procedures similar to those for establishing fire districts, and they can be formed by individual municipalities or through joint agreements. The bill also requires the state commissioner, in consultation with the state office of fire prevention and control, to prepare a comprehensive report by January 1, 2027, examining the challenges of recruiting and maintaining volunteer firefighters and ambulance service staff, with a specific focus on rural areas and regions with geographic challenges. The report must not only identify staffing issues but also provide recommendations for addressing these challenges, which will be submitted to key state government leaders, including the governor and chairs of local government committees in both legislative chambers.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2658