New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04729

Introduced
2/5/25  
Refer
2/5/25  
Report Pass
2/11/25  

Caption

Provides that where any condition of impairment of health caused by Parkinson's disease, resulting in total or partial disability or death to a volunteer firefighter, where such volunteer firefighter successfully passed a physical examination on entry into such service or subsequent thereto, which examination failed to reveal any evidence of such condition, shall be presumptive evidence that such disability or death was caused by the natural and proximate result of an accident, not caused by such firefighter's own negligence; and was incurred in the performance and discharge of duty, unless the contrary be proven by competent evidence.

Summary

Bill A04729 amends the volunteer firefighters' benefit law to establish a presumption of causation for disabilities or deaths resulting from Parkinson's disease in volunteer firefighters. If a firefighter has passed a physical examination upon entry into service, which did not reveal any signs of Parkinson's disease, the bill allows for the presumption that any subsequent health impairment is a result of their service, unless proven otherwise. This aims to provide greater support and recognition for volunteer firefighters who develop Parkinson's disease as a result of their duties.

Impact

The bill impacts the volunteer firefighters' benefit law by creating a legal presumption that Parkinson's disease-related disabilities or deaths are work-related for those who have passed a physical examination. This change may lead to increased benefits and support for affected firefighters and could influence the way claims are processed under the volunteer firefighters' benefit law, potentially easing the burden of proof on the firefighters or their families.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04729 appears to be positive, as indicated by the unanimous support in the Assembly Local Governments Committee, where it received 18 votes in favor and none against. This suggests a strong bipartisan agreement on the importance of supporting volunteer firefighters facing health challenges related to their service.

Contention

While there seems to be broad support for the bill, potential points of contention may arise regarding the implications for insurance and benefits systems, as well as concerns about the burden of proof being shifted. Stakeholders such as insurance companies or local governments may raise concerns about the financial impact of increased claims related to Parkinson's disease.

Companion Bills

NY S08376

Same As Provides that where any condition of impairment of health caused by Parkinson's disease, resulting in total or partial disability or death to a volunteer firefighter, where such volunteer firefighter successfully passed a physical examination on entry into such service or subsequent thereto, which examination failed to reveal any evidence of such condition, shall be presumptive evidence that such disability or death was caused by the natural and proximate result of an accident, not caused by such firefighter's own negligence; and was incurred in the performance and discharge of duty, unless the contrary be proven by competent evidence.

Previously Filed As

NY S08376

Provides that where any condition of impairment of health caused by Parkinson's disease, resulting in total or partial disability or death to a volunteer firefighter, where such volunteer firefighter successfully passed a physical examination on entry into such service or subsequent thereto, which examination failed to reveal any evidence of such condition, shall be presumptive evidence that such disability or death was caused by the natural and proximate result of an accident, not caused by such firefighter's own negligence; and was incurred in the performance and discharge of duty, unless the contrary be proven by competent evidence.

NY A09655

Provides that where any condition of impairment of health caused by Parkinson's disease, resulting in total or partial disability or death to a volunteer firefighter, where such volunteer firefighter successfully passed a physical examination on entry into such service or subsequent thereto, which examination failed to reveal any evidence of such condition, shall be presumptive evidence that such disability or death was caused by the natural and proximate result of an accident, not caused by such firefighter's own negligence; and was incurred in the performance and discharge of duty, unless the contrary be proven by competent evidence.

NY A01847

Provides a performance and discharge of duty presumption for any condition of impairment of health caused by leptospirosis, resulting in total or partial disability or death to a paid member of the uniformed force of a paid sanitation department, where such paid member is drawn from competitive civil service lists, who successfully passed a physical examination on entry into the service of such department, which examination failed to reveal any evidence of such condition.

NY S04824

Provides a performance and discharge of duty presumption for any condition of impairment of health caused by leptospirosis, resulting in total or partial disability or death to a paid member of the uniformed force of a paid sanitation department, where such paid member is drawn from competitive civil service lists, who successfully passed a physical examination on entry into the service of such department, which examination failed to reveal any evidence of such condition.

NY S07748

Provides for a line of duty disability presumption for any condition of impairment of health caused by diseases of the lung, resulting in total or partial disability or death of certain deputy sheriff members of a retirement system in certain cities.

NY A08356

Provides for a line of duty disability presumption for any condition of impairment of health caused by diseases of the lung, resulting in total or partial disability or death of certain deputy sheriff members of a retirement system in certain cities.

NY A11031

Provides for a line of duty disability presumption for any condition of impairment of health caused by diseases of the lung, resulting in total or partial disability or death of certain deputy sheriff members of a retirement system in certain cities.

NY S09881

Provides for a line of duty disability presumption for any condition of impairment of health caused by diseases of the lung, resulting in total or partial disability or death of certain deputy sheriff members of a retirement system in certain cities.

NY S1470

Increases PFRS accidental disability and accidental death pension when disability or death is caused by weapon.

NY A2870

Increases PFRS accidental disability and accidental death pension when disability or death is caused by weapon.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.