Increases benefits for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers.
Summary
Bill A06410 proposes amendments to the volunteer firefighters' benefit law and the volunteer ambulance workers' benefit law in New York. The primary objective of the bill is to increase the weekly benefits provided to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who suffer from various forms of disability due to injuries sustained in the line of duty. Specifically, the bill raises the amount of permanent total disability benefits from $600 to $1,200 per week and temporary total disability benefits from $125 to $800 per week, among other adjustments for different types of disabilities and injuries. These changes are aimed at providing better financial support to these essential service workers during their recovery periods.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will significantly enhance the financial benefits available to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers in New York who experience work-related injuries. The adjustments will affect the existing statutes governing disability benefits for these groups, ensuring that they receive more substantial compensation during periods of temporary or permanent disability. This change may also set a precedent for future adjustments to benefits for public service workers in the state.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A06410 appears to be generally positive, as it seeks to provide increased support for volunteer emergency responders who often face significant risks in their duties. However, without available voting history or committee discussions, it is difficult to gauge any opposition or specific concerns raised during the legislative process.
Contention
While the bill is likely to be well-received by advocates for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, potential points of contention may arise regarding the fiscal implications of increased benefits on state budgets. Stakeholders may debate the sustainability of funding these enhanced benefits and whether they could lead to increased taxes or reallocation of funds from other public services. However, specific opposition voices or concerns have not been documented in the provided context.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An Act Allowing A Personal Income Tax Deduction For Stipends Paid To Volunteer Firefighters, Volunteer Fire Police Officers And Volunteer Ambulance Members.
Provides cancer screening and treatment for retired volunteer firefighters; defines retired volunteer firefighters; retroactively applies to retired volunteer firefighters.
Excludes the five state-run veterans homes from assessments on their gross receipts received from all patient care services and other operating income; directs the Commissioner of Health to apply to the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for any necessary waivers pursuant to federal law and regulation.
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.