Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of felonies committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district.
Summary
Bill A02039 amends the general municipal law to require the forfeiture of benefits from service awards programs for volunteer firefighters who are convicted of certain crimes. Specifically, it targets those convicted of arson or any felony committed against a volunteer fire department, fire company, fire district, or fire protection district. The bill aims to ensure that individuals who engage in criminal activities that harm the integrity of volunteer fire services do not receive financial benefits from these programs.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would alter the eligibility criteria for service awards programs for volunteer firefighters in New York. It would establish a clear legal framework for the forfeiture of benefits for those convicted of specified crimes, thereby reinforcing accountability within volunteer fire services. This change could lead to a decrease in fraudulent claims and enhance the reputation of volunteer fire departments by ensuring that only law-abiding individuals receive benefits.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A02039 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers, as it addresses the issue of criminal behavior within volunteer fire services. However, there may be concerns regarding the fairness of the forfeiture process and how it could affect firefighters who may be wrongfully accused or convicted. The lack of voting history and committee discussions makes it difficult to gauge the full extent of sentiment.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise around the definitions of the crimes that warrant forfeiture and the potential for wrongful convictions. Some stakeholders may argue that the bill could disproportionately affect volunteer firefighters who face legal challenges, regardless of their actual guilt. Others may advocate for stricter measures to protect the integrity of volunteer fire services, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Same As
Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of felonies committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district.
Same As
Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of felonies committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district.
Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of felonies committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district.
Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of felonies committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district.
Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of felonies committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district.
Allows an authority having jurisdiction over a volunteer fire department or fire company in a county, city, town, village, fire district, or fire protection district to provide volunteer firefighters with a stipend for responses to calls and for certain standby services.
Provides cancer screening and treatment for retired volunteer firefighters; defines retired volunteer firefighters; retroactively applies to retired volunteer firefighters.
Requires the office of fire prevention and control to pay training stipends in specific amounts to volunteer firefighters for completion of certain firefighter trainings; provides that if a volunteer fire company pays training stipends to volunteer firefighters in an amount below what is otherwise required to be paid by OFPC, OFPC shall pay the remaining amount.