Bill > S07162

This bill modifies the existing law governing the Bohemia Volunteer Firefighter's Benevolent Association by making several key changes: it updates the organization's name from "Firemen's" to "Firefighter's" to use gender-neutral language, increases the board of trustees from five to eight members, updates references to specific sections of the insurance law, and modifies how foreign fire insurance premium taxes can be used. Specifically, the bill changes the previous language that limited tax funds to "care and relief of disabled or indigent volunteer and exempt volunteer firemen and their families" to instead allow the funds to be used "in furtherance of its purposes" as outlined in the organization's original charter. The bill also clarifies membership eligibility for the association, including conditions for maintaining membership such as continued service in the Bohemia volunteer fire department. The changes will take effect immediately, with the tax-related amendments applying to premiums received on and after January 1, 2026. These modifications aim to modernize the language of the original 1963 incorporation law and provide the association with more flexible use of its collected funds.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7162