Bill > A07744

This bill extends tuition-free course auditing benefits to active volunteer firefighters and active volunteer ambulance workers at state universities and community colleges, similar to the existing benefit for people over 60 years old. The legislation allows these volunteer emergency workers to audit courses without tuition, examination, grading, or credit on a space-available basis, ensuring that such audits do not prevent other qualified students from attending courses. Additionally, the bill grants the state university board of trustees the authority to create regulations that would allow these volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers to potentially receive course credit for successfully completing audited courses, both for currently enrolled and future students. The terms "active volunteer firefighters" and "active volunteer ambulance workers" are specifically defined by references to existing sections of the general municipal law, ensuring clear legal definition. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law, providing state educational institutions with time to implement the new provisions.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7744