Makes certain fees and charges related to emergency medical services permanent
Summary
A10059 would make permanent a 2022 law that authorizes certain fees and charges related to emergency medical services. The bill amends the sunset provision in that earlier law by removing the clause that would have caused the authorization to expire and be deemed repealed nine years after enactment. As drafted, the measure keeps the underlying authority in place indefinitely rather than allowing it to lapse.
The bill applies to health care claims submitted on or after the effective date of the original act, and it would continue that framework without interruption. In practical terms, it preserves the ability of local governments and related entities covered by the 2022 law to assess EMS-related fees and charges under the existing statutory scheme.
Impact
The bill changes chapter 55 of the laws of 2022, as previously amended, by eliminating the sunset date for the emergency medical services fee authority. This affects the General Municipal Law and Town Law provisions referenced in the original act by making the authorization permanent instead of temporary. The main parties affected are municipalities, towns, and any emergency medical services providers or billing systems operating under the statute, as well as health care claims submitted under the covered framework.
Sentiment
Based on the bill caption and the absence of recorded opposition, the measure appears to be a straightforward continuation of existing policy rather than a controversial change. The committee status suggests the bill was still under consideration in the Assembly Committee on Local Governments, and there is no transcript or vote record indicating significant debate. Overall, the available context points to a generally neutral-to-supportive posture toward preserving EMS fee authority permanently.
Contention
The central point of contention, if any, is the policy choice to remove the sunset and make the EMS fee authorization permanent. Supporters would likely view permanence as providing stability and predictable funding for emergency medical services, while critics could object to locking in fees and charges without a future reauthorization review. No specific objections, amendments, or opposing arguments are recorded in the available committee or vote materials.
Makes permanent certain provisions relating to reimbursement for commercial and Medicaid services provided via telehealth; establishes the rural healthcare professional loan repayment award program and the rural healthcare professional tax credit program; establishes a tax credit for rural healthcare providers.