New York Assembly Bill A04477

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Refer: 2/4/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Makes permanent provisions creating a presumption relating to certain lung disabilities incurred by volunteer firefighters.

Summary

This bill would make permanent a provision of New York law that creates a presumption for certain lung disabilities incurred by volunteer firefighters. The underlying presumption is part of the volunteer firefighters' benefit law and applies to qualifying lung conditions that arise in the course of firefighting service, helping establish that the disability is service-related for benefit purposes. As drafted, the bill removes the current sunset date of June 30, 2025, so the presumption would no longer expire and would continue in effect indefinitely. The measure is a narrow amendment focused on extending an existing firefighter benefit protection rather than creating a new program or changing the underlying eligibility framework in a broader way.

Impact

The bill amends chapter 606 of the laws of 2006, as previously extended, by deleting the expiration clause and making the lung-disability presumption permanent. This would affect the volunteer firefighters' benefit law and the administration of benefits for volunteer firefighters who develop certain lung disabilities, likely easing the evidentiary burden in claims where the presumption applies. It would also have implications for local governments, volunteer fire departments, and benefit administrators responsible for evaluating and paying claims under the statute.

Sentiment

The available context suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill, as it continues an existing benefit for volunteer firefighters rather than introducing a controversial new policy. The bill was introduced by Assembly members and referred to committee, with no recorded votes or committee transcript opposition in the provided materials. The absence of recorded dissent in the supplied context suggests the measure is likely viewed as a protective, pro-firefighter extension of current law.

Contention

The main policy issue is whether the lung-disability presumption for volunteer firefighters should be made permanent or allowed to expire on June 30, 2025. Supporters would likely argue that volunteer firefighters face ongoing occupational exposure and deserve lasting benefit protection, while any concerns would center on the fiscal and administrative impact of a permanent presumption on municipalities, fire districts, and insurers or benefit systems. No specific opposing arguments are documented in the provided materials.