Bill > S05418

This bill amends the Public Officers Law to allow local governments in New York (including cities, counties, towns, villages, and police and fire districts) to waive citizenship requirements for police officers and firefighters under specific circumstances. The waiver would be permitted for candidates who can provide proof of an honorable or general discharge from various U.S. military service branches, including the army, navy, air force, marines, coast guard, and their respective reserves, as well as the army and air national guard, New York guard, and New York naval militia. Currently, many local jurisdictions have strict citizenship requirements for public safety positions, and this bill provides flexibility for localities to consider qualified veterans for these roles regardless of their citizenship status. The bill aims to potentially expand the pool of qualified candidates for police and firefighter positions by recognizing military service as a valuable qualification that can offset citizenship requirements. The legislation would take effect immediately upon passage.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5418