Bill > S04803

This bill establishes a municipal group insurance technical assistance program through the Workers' Compensation Board to help volunteer firefighters, fire protection districts, and local municipalities navigate insurance and compensation benefits. The program will provide comprehensive support through a toll-free hotline, interactive website, and multiple communication channels, with key responsibilities including identifying and resolving insurance-related complaints, assisting municipalities with insurance contracting and financing, helping individuals file appeals, tracking systemic issues, and educating stakeholders about their rights and responsibilities. The program will be implemented through a competitive request for proposal process, with only domestic non-profit corporations eligible to apply, and preference given to organizations with experience in fire district advocacy, call center operations, and confidential case tracking. The Workers' Compensation Board will review proposals and select an organization to run the technical assistance program, and all official notices will include contact information for this new service. The bill will take effect 120 days after becoming law, providing time for program development and implementation.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4803