New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03539

Introduced
1/28/25  
Refer
1/28/25  

Caption

Waives the registration fee and service charge for distinctive plates for volunteer firefighters and members of volunteer ambulance services where the applicant has attended twenty-five percent or more of the emergency calls for the previous year.

Summary

Bill S03539 proposes to amend the vehicle and traffic law in New York to waive the registration fee and service charge for distinctive license plates for volunteer firefighters and members of volunteer ambulance services. This waiver is contingent upon the applicant demonstrating that they have attended at least twenty-five percent of emergency calls in the previous year. The bill aims to recognize and support the contributions of these volunteers by alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with vehicle registration.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would modify existing vehicle and traffic laws to provide financial relief to volunteer emergency service personnel. Specifically, it would amend sections 404-b and 404-f of the vehicle and traffic law, allowing eligible volunteers to obtain distinctive plates without the usual registration fees and service charges. This change could encourage more individuals to participate in volunteer emergency services by reducing associated costs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S03539 appears to be positive, as it seeks to honor and support the efforts of volunteer firefighters and ambulance service members. However, without recorded votes or committee discussions available, it is difficult to gauge the full extent of support or opposition from legislators and stakeholders.

Contention

There may be potential contention regarding the criteria for eligibility, specifically the requirement for volunteers to have attended twenty-five percent of emergency calls. Some may argue that this threshold is too high or that it could exclude dedicated volunteers who may not meet the call attendance requirement due to various circumstances. However, no specific opposition has been documented in the available discussions or voting history.

Companion Bills

NY A05673

Same As Waives the registration fee and service charge for distinctive plates for volunteer firefighters and members of volunteer ambulance services where the applicant has attended twenty-five percent or more of the emergency calls for the previous year.

Previously Filed As

NY S09666

Waives the registration fee and service charge for distinctive plates for volunteer firefighters and members of volunteer ambulance services where the applicant has attended twenty-five percent or more of the emergency calls for the previous year.

NY A05673

Waives the registration fee and service charge for distinctive plates for volunteer firefighters and members of volunteer ambulance services where the applicant has attended twenty-five percent or more of the emergency calls for the previous year.

NY A09330

Eliminates the registration fees charged for the issuance of volunteer firefighter distinctive license plates.

NY A10031

Creates a volunteer firefighter scholarship program and a volunteer firefighter scholarship fund; rewards volunteer firefighters who respond to twenty-five percent of emergency calls for eight years with a student loan award equal to four times the SUNY tuition rate; makes an appropriation therefor.

NY SB249

Distinctive license plates; volunteer and professional firefighters plate fee increased, distribution of funds provided for

NY HB253

Distinctive license plates; volunteer and professional firefighters plate fee increased, distribution of funds provided for

NY S00655

Provides free use of state parks and campsites for volunteer firefighters and members of a volunteer ambulance service.

NY S02037

Provides free use of state parks and campsites for volunteer firefighters and members of a volunteer ambulance service.

NY A04344

Provides free use of state parks and campsites for volunteer firefighters and members of a volunteer ambulance service.

NY S02042

Eliminates the registration fees charged for the issuance of volunteer firefighter distinctive license plates.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.