Bill > S03531

This bill creates a volunteer firefighter scholarship program that provides financial support to active volunteer firefighters in New York state who attend at least 25% of emergency calls for eight consecutive years. Eligible participants can receive a scholarship award up to four times the current State University of New York (SUNY) tuition rate, which can be applied to student loans from either a bachelor's degree program or an accredited trade/vocational school within New York. To qualify, volunteers must sign a contract agreeing to reside exclusively in New York and maintain their firefighting participation, with the scholarship providing loan interest payments during the eight-year period and potentially forgiving up to four times the SUNY tuition rate in student loan principal. The bill establishes a dedicated volunteer firefighter scholarship fund with an initial appropriation of $1 million, and includes provisions for potential waivers in extreme circumstances such as disability or family emergencies. The program aims to incentivize and support volunteer firefighters by offering meaningful financial assistance for their educational pursuits, while ensuring continued commitment to local emergency services.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3531