Bill > A04006

This bill amends the original legislation incorporating the Bohemia Volunteer Firefighter's Benevolent Association to make several key changes. First, it updates gender-neutral language throughout the document, replacing gendered terms like "firemen" with "firefighters" and "his" with "such member's". The bill also increases the board of trustees from five to eight members, expanding the leadership structure. Regarding financial provisions, the bill updates references to specific sections of the insurance law and modifies how foreign fire insurance premium taxes can be used. Previously, these taxes were strictly limited to caring for disabled or indigent volunteer firefighters and their families, but now they can be used more broadly "in furtherance of its purposes" as outlined in the original act. The bill will take effect immediately, but the amendments to tax-related sections will apply to premiums received on or after January 1, 2026. Membership eligibility remains similar, with active and exempt volunteer firefighters from the Bohemia volunteer fire department or fire corporations in the Bohemia fire district being eligible to join, with certain restrictions on those who have been removed from fire departments.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4006