Bill > S07316

This bill amends the general municipal law to expand the circumstances under which volunteer firefighters can lose their benefits through a service awards program. Specifically, the bill broadens existing law that previously only denied benefits to firefighters convicted of arson, to now include any felony committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district. This means that if a volunteer firefighter is convicted of a felony targeting their own department or related organizations, they will automatically forfeit all past and future benefits from their service awards program. The bill aims to prevent individuals who commit serious crimes against firefighting organizations from continuing to benefit from the service awards program designed to recognize and support volunteer firefighters. The legislation takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7316