New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A02079

Introduced
1/15/25  
Refer
1/15/25  

Caption

Relates to youth programs sponsored by fire departments; provides that participants may respond to an emergency or hazardous activity, but shall remain in a designated or marked off area that has been set up by the chief or officer in charge; provides such participant cannot respond to an emergency on a vehicle using lights and/or sirens; provides such participants may not enter a burning structure.

Summary

Bill A02079 amends the general municipal law concerning youth programs sponsored by fire departments in New York. The bill allows participants in these programs to respond to emergencies or hazardous activities, but with specific restrictions. Participants must remain in designated areas set up by the chief or officer in charge and are prohibited from using emergency vehicles with lights and sirens or entering burning structures. This aims to ensure the safety of youth participants while still allowing them to engage in meaningful experiences related to emergency response.

Impact

The passage of this bill would modify existing regulations regarding youth involvement in fire department activities, specifically clarifying the limitations on their participation in emergencies. It would ensure that youth participants are not classified as active volunteer firefighters, thereby exempting them from certain legal liabilities and responsibilities associated with that designation. This change may encourage more fire departments to include youth programs, knowing that there are clear guidelines for safety and liability.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A02079 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among those advocating for youth engagement in community service and emergency response. However, there may be concerns from some stakeholders regarding the safety of youth participants and the potential risks associated with their involvement in emergency situations, even with the proposed restrictions.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from differing opinions on the appropriateness of allowing youth to respond to emergencies, even in a limited capacity. Some may argue that any involvement in emergency situations poses unnecessary risks to young individuals, while others may contend that such experiences are invaluable for personal development and community engagement. The debate may involve fire department officials, youth program advocates, and safety organizations.

Companion Bills

NY S03083

Same As Relates to youth programs sponsored by fire departments; provides that participants may respond to an emergency or hazardous activity, but shall remain in a designated or marked off area that has been set up by the chief or officer in charge; provides such participant cannot respond to an emergency on a vehicle using lights and/or sirens; provides such participants may not enter a burning structure.

Previously Filed As

NY S02270

Relates to youth programs sponsored by fire departments; provides that participants may respond to an emergency or hazardous activity, but shall remain in a designated or marked off area that has been set up by the chief or officer in charge; provides such participant cannot respond to an emergency on a vehicle using lights and/or sirens; provides such participants may not enter a burning structure.

NY S03083

Relates to youth programs sponsored by fire departments; provides that participants may respond to an emergency or hazardous activity, but shall remain in a designated or marked off area that has been set up by the chief or officer in charge; provides such participant cannot respond to an emergency on a vehicle using lights and/or sirens; provides such participants may not enter a burning structure.

NY A01633

Relates to youth programs sponsored by fire departments; provides that participants may respond to an emergency or hazardous activity, but shall remain in an appropriate and safe designated area that has been established by the chief or officer in charge; provides such participants cannot respond to an emergency on a vehicle using lights and/or sirens; provides such participants may not enter a burning structure; protects volunteer fire departments and fire companies from certain criminal and civil liability potentially arising from the operation of a youth program.

NY S06009

Relates to youth programs sponsored by fire departments; provides that participants may respond to an emergency or hazardous activity, but shall remain in an appropriate and safe designated area that has been established by the chief or officer in charge; provides such participants cannot respond to an emergency on a vehicle using lights and/or sirens; provides such participants may not enter a burning structure; protects volunteer fire departments and fire companies from certain criminal and civil liability potentially arising from the operation of a youth program.

NY A01238

Relates to youth programs sponsored by fire departments; provides that participants may respond to an emergency or hazardous activity, but shall remain in an appropriate and safe designated area that has been established by the chief or officer in charge; provides such participants cannot respond to an emergency on a vehicle using lights and/or sirens; provides such participants may not enter a burning structure; protects volunteer fire departments and fire companies from certain criminal and civil liability potentially arising from the operation of a youth program.

NY A1638

Designates open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers.

NY A10556

Relates to orders of protection where the respondent is a minor who resides with a parent or other legally responsible person or other party; prohibits courts from issuing an order of protection that directs a minor respondent to stay away from the home of a parent or other person legally responsible for the respondent if the respondent would not have an appropriate alternative residence; provides that such a respondent shall have the right to have a guardian ad litem appointed, if appropriate; authorizes suspended judgment in certain cases provided that the respondent participate in a batterer's education program.

NY S09354

Relates to orders of protection where the respondent is a minor who resides with a parent or other legally responsible person or other party; prohibits courts from issuing an order of protection that directs a minor respondent to stay away from the home of a parent or other person legally responsible for the respondent if the respondent would not have an appropriate alternative residence; provides that such a respondent shall have the right to have a guardian ad litem appointed, if appropriate; authorizes suspended judgment in certain cases provided that the respondent participate in a batterer's education program.

NY AB100

Designating athletic sports and teams operated or sponsored by public schools or private schools participating in a parental choice program based on the sex of the participants.

NY HF1344

Warning lights that volunteer first responders are authorized to use in their personal vehicles when responding to a call specified.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.