Bill > A08224

This bill amends the New York General Municipal Law to allow political subdivisions (such as towns or counties) that contract for fire protection services to jointly establish a service award program with subdivisions that also contract for ambulance services from the same special fire company or department. A service award program is a type of benefit or recognition system for volunteer firefighters, which can include financial incentives or other forms of compensation. The bill modifies existing law to expand the conditions under which these programs can be created, specifically by adding language that allows political subdivisions receiving either fire protection services, ambulance services, or both, to participate in establishing such a program. The key requirements remain that every political subdivision contracting with the special fire company must agree to join the program, with approval needed from both the governing boards (requiring at least 60% affirmative vote) and eligible voters in each subdivision. Additionally, if a political subdivision stops contracting for fire or ambulance services from the special fire company, it will automatically be removed from the service award program sponsorship. The bill aims to provide more flexibility for local jurisdictions in supporting and recognizing volunteer emergency service workers.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8224