New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03527

Introduced
1/28/25  
Refer
1/28/25  

Caption

Relates to enacting the volunteer emergency services mileage reimbursement tax credit; allows an active volunteer firefighter or a volunteer ambulance worker a credit equal to their reasonable mileage allowance owed for each mile actually and necessarily traveled by the volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker who utilizes their personal vehicle in the fulfillment of their emergency response duties.

Summary

Bill S03527 proposes a tax credit for active volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers in New York. This credit would reimburse them for mileage incurred while using their personal vehicles for emergency response duties. The reimbursement would be based on the standard travel allowance for mileage as prescribed for federal income tax purposes. To qualify for this credit, volunteers must be certified by their respective fire company or ambulance service and must have been active for the entire taxable year in question.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would amend the New York tax law to provide a financial incentive for volunteer emergency responders, potentially increasing participation in these critical roles. The new subsection added to Section 606 of the tax law would create a framework for the reimbursement process, which may also encourage local governments to support their volunteer services more actively. This could lead to an increase in volunteerism in emergency services, which is vital for community safety.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S03527 appears to be positive, as it aims to support volunteer emergency responders who play a crucial role in public safety. However, there may be concerns regarding the fiscal impact on state revenues and the administrative burden of implementing the credit.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the potential cost of the tax credit to the state budget, as well as the criteria for certification of volunteers. Some lawmakers may argue that the bill could lead to increased financial strain on state resources, while others may emphasize the importance of supporting volunteer emergency services as a public good.

Companion Bills

NY A04720

Same As Relates to enacting the volunteer emergency services mileage reimbursement tax credit; allows an active volunteer firefighter or a volunteer ambulance worker a credit equal to their reasonable mileage allowance owed for each mile actually and necessarily traveled by the volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker who utilizes their personal vehicle in the fulfillment of their emergency response duties.

Previously Filed As

NY A04720

Relates to enacting the volunteer emergency services mileage reimbursement tax credit; allows an active volunteer firefighter or a volunteer ambulance worker a credit equal to their reasonable mileage allowance owed for each mile actually and necessarily traveled by the volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker who utilizes their personal vehicle in the fulfillment of their emergency response duties.

NY A00516

Increases the volunteer firefighters' and ambulance workers' credit.

NY S05837

Increases the volunteer firefighters' and ambulance workers' credit.

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 S05432

Increases benefits for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers.

NY A06410

Increases benefits for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers.

CT SB00373

An Act Allowing A Personal Income Tax Deduction For Stipends Paid To Volunteer Firefighters, Volunteer Fire Police Officers And Volunteer Ambulance Members.

NY A04414

Allows volunteer firefighters or emergency services personnel to attend training required under 19 NYCRR 426 without being penalized by their employer; creates tax incentives for employing volunteer firefighters or emergency services personnel.

ME LD1520

An Act to Reduce the Income Tax Paid by Volunteers for Mileage Reimbursements

NY A00028

Provides tax credit to certain volunteer firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers, volunteer reserve forces officers, auxiliary police officers and volunteer emergency medical personnel under certain circumstances.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.