Provides a reduction in insurance premium charges for insured volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel for a 3 year period after successfully completing the emergency vehicle operator's course as part of their training.
Summary
This bill would amend New York’s Insurance Law to allow motor vehicle liability and collision insurance rating plans to include an actuarially appropriate premium reduction for insured volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel. The reduction would apply for a three-year period after the individual successfully completes the Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course (EVOC) as part of their training.
The bill also makes clear that the premium reduction would not apply to self-instruction defensive driving courses or other courses that do not include a minimum amount of classroom instruction as determined by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The measure takes effect immediately, with conforming timing tied to the existing statutory framework governing these insurance discounts.
Impact
The bill would expand the list of permissible insurance discounts under Insurance Law section 2336 by expressly authorizing insurers to offer reduced motor vehicle liability and collision premiums to volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel who complete EVOC training. It does not mandate a discount, but permits insurers to include one in their filed rate schedules if it is actuarially appropriate. The change would affect insurers, the Superintendent of Financial Services, and qualifying volunteer first responders seeking lower auto insurance costs.
Sentiment
The bill’s framing suggests generally favorable treatment of volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel, reflecting a policy goal of supporting first responders through an insurance benefit. Because there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, there is no direct evidence of opposition or debate in the available record. The bill text itself is narrowly tailored and appears designed to be noncontroversial by limiting the discount to a specific training credential and a defined time period.
Contention
The main policy issue is whether insurers should be allowed to offer the discount and how it should be structured. The bill limits eligibility to those who complete EVOC with classroom instruction, excluding self-study or abbreviated defensive driving courses, which may be a point of distinction for training providers or potential beneficiaries. Another possible point of contention is that the discount is permissive rather than mandatory, so advocates for volunteer responders may prefer a stronger requirement, while insurers may focus on actuarial justification and rate-setting flexibility.
Same As
Provides a reduction in insurance premium charges for insured volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel for a 3 year period after successfully completing the emergency vehicle operator's course as part of their training.
Provides a reduction in insurance premium charges for insured volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel for a 3 year period after successfully completing the emergency vehicle operator's course as part of their training.
Provides a reduction in insurance premium charges for insured volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel for a 3 year period after successfully completing the emergency vehicle operator's course as part of their training.
Allows volunteer firefighters or emergency services personnel to attend training required under 19 NYCRR 426 without being penalized by their employer; creates tax incentives for employing volunteer firefighters or emergency services personnel.
"Assistance to Firefighters' Families Act"; doubles pension amounts for beneficiaries of certain deceased volunteer emergency service providers; provides for burial expenses and adjusts life insurance coverage for volunteer firefighters; permits fire code inspection surcharge.