New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05390

Introduced
2/13/25  

Caption

Extends tuition free course benefits to volunteer firefighters or voluntary ambulance workers; authorizes the board of trustees of the state university to regulate the conferral of such benefits.

Summary

Bill A05390 aims to amend the education law in New York to extend certain educational benefits to active volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. Specifically, the bill allows these individuals, along with residents aged sixty and over, to audit courses at state-operated institutions and community colleges without incurring tuition fees, examinations, or grading. The bill also empowers the board of trustees of the state university to establish regulations for granting course credit for successfully completed audited courses to these volunteers, provided they are enrolled as students.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would modify existing education laws to include active volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers as eligible for auditing courses without tuition at state-operated institutions and community colleges. This change could enhance educational access for these individuals, potentially increasing their skills and knowledge relevant to their volunteer roles. Additionally, it may encourage more residents to participate in volunteer firefighting and ambulance services by providing them with educational incentives.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A05390 appears to be positive, as it seeks to recognize and support the contributions of volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. Discussions likely emphasize the importance of these roles in the community and the need for educational benefits that acknowledge their service. However, without specific voting history or committee discussions available, the overall sentiment remains speculative.

Contention

There may be some contention regarding the allocation of resources for these educational benefits, particularly concerning how they might impact existing students' access to courses. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the potential for increased demand on limited course availability, while supporters argue that the benefits are well-deserved for those who serve the community as volunteers.

Companion Bills

NY S02314

Same As Extends tuition free course benefits to volunteer firefighters or voluntary ambulance workers; authorizes the board of trustees of the state university to regulate the conferral of such benefits.

Previously Filed As

NY A09690

Extends tuition free course benefits to volunteer firefighters or voluntary ambulance workers; authorizes the board of trustees of the state university to regulate the conferral of such benefits.

NY S00789

Extends tuition free course benefits to volunteer firefighters or voluntary ambulance workers; authorizes the board of trustees of the state university to regulate the conferral of such benefits.

NY S02314

Extends tuition free course benefits to volunteer firefighters or voluntary ambulance workers; authorizes the board of trustees of the state university to regulate the conferral of such benefits.

NY A07744

Extends tuition free course benefits to volunteer firefighters or voluntary ambulance workers; authorizes the board of trustees of the state university to regulate the conferral of such benefits.

NY A00516

Increases the volunteer firefighters' and ambulance workers' credit.

NY S05837

Increases the volunteer firefighters' and ambulance workers' credit.

NY S05432

Increases benefits for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers.

NY A06410

Increases benefits for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers.

NY S09136

Provides annual vehicular access for New York state's active volunteer firefighters and active volunteer ambulance workers and their immediate family at any state park or recreational facility.

NY S08409

Extends the effectiveness of certain sections of law relating to real property tax exemptions for real property owned by volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.