New York Assembly Bill A03579

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Refer: 1/28/25

Caption

Establishes the volunteer fire departments capital fund under the office of fire prevention and control; appropriates funds for such capital fund.

Summary

This bill would create a new “Volunteer Fire Departments Capital Fund” within the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, to be administered by that office for the purpose of awarding grants to volunteer fire departments. The office would establish application procedures, determine eligibility criteria and allowable uses of funds, and enter into written grant agreements with participating departments. The bill also allows the office, in consultation with the comptroller and the commissioner of taxation and finance, to set additional terms and conditions, maintain records, and require quarterly reporting on fund activity. The bill appropriates $100 million from the state general fund to seed the capital fund and makes the money immediately available. Funds would be held in trust, invested under comptroller guidelines while awaiting disbursement, and any investment income would remain in the fund. Grant agreements could include clawback or rescission provisions if a department fails to use the money as required. The measure is intended to provide capital support for volunteer fire departments, likely for equipment, facilities, or other capital needs as determined by the office.

Impact

The bill would amend the Executive Law by adding a new section establishing a state-administered grant program for volunteer fire departments and creating a dedicated capital fund for that purpose. It would also create a direct $100 million appropriation from the general fund to the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, shifting state resources into a new grant-making mechanism overseen by the office, the comptroller, and the commissioner of taxation and finance. Volunteer fire departments would become eligible applicants for capital assistance under criteria set by the office, and the state would gain new reporting, custodial, and investment requirements tied to the fund.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears generally supportive of volunteer fire departments and their capital needs, with no recorded committee debate or votes indicating opposition or amendment. The bill’s structure suggests a straightforward funding initiative aimed at local emergency response capacity, which is typically viewed favorably by fire service stakeholders and local governments. Because no transcripts or vote history are provided, there is no documented split in sentiment in the available record.

Contention

The main potential points of contention are fiscal and administrative rather than policy-based. The $100 million appropriation from the general fund could draw scrutiny from budget-conscious lawmakers, especially if competing priorities exist. There may also be questions about how the Office of Fire Prevention and Control will set eligibility criteria, select grantees, define allowable uses, and enforce rescission provisions, since those details are left largely to agency discretion. Volunteer fire departments and local officials would likely favor the funding, while fiscal watchdogs or budget negotiators might focus on oversight, transparency, and the size of the appropriation.