Bill > S07000

This bill amends the general municipal law to expand the circumstances under which volunteer firefighters can lose their service award program benefits. Currently, firefighters who are convicted of arson are ineligible for benefits, but this bill broadens that provision to include any felony committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district. The key change is the extension of benefit forfeiture from only arson crimes to any felony specifically targeting these fire-related organizations. A service award program is typically a pension-like benefit system designed to provide financial recognition for long-serving volunteer firefighters. The bill aims to ensure that firefighters who commit serious crimes against their own fire organizations cannot continue to receive financial benefits through these programs. The legislation would take effect immediately upon passage, meaning the new forfeiture rules would apply as soon as the bill becomes law.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7000