New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07000

Introduced
3/28/25  

Caption

Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of felonies committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district.

Summary

Bill S07000 amends the general municipal law to require the forfeiture of benefits from service award programs for volunteer firefighters who are convicted of certain crimes. Specifically, it targets those convicted of arson or any felony committed against a volunteer fire department, fire company, fire district, or fire protection district. This legislation aims to ensure that individuals who commit serious offenses against these organizations are not rewarded with benefits intended for honorable service.

Impact

The passage of this bill would modify existing laws regarding service awards for volunteer firefighters in New York. It would establish a clear legal basis for disqualifying individuals from receiving benefits if they have committed specified felonies, thereby reinforcing accountability and integrity within the volunteer firefighting community. This change could potentially deter criminal behavior among volunteer firefighters and protect the reputation of the service.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S07000 appears to be supportive, as it addresses concerns about the integrity of volunteer service awards. Discussions indicate a consensus on the need for accountability among volunteer firefighters, particularly in light of the serious nature of the crimes specified in the bill. However, there may be some concerns regarding the fairness of the forfeiture process and how it is implemented.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the definition of eligible crimes and the implications for firefighters who may have committed lesser offenses. Some stakeholders might argue that the bill could be overly punitive, potentially impacting individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities. The balance between maintaining the integrity of the service awards and ensuring fair treatment of volunteers is likely to be a focal point of debate.

Companion Bills

NY A02039

Same As Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of felonies committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district.

Previously Filed As

NY A08008

Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of felonies committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district.

NY A02039

Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of felonies committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district.

NY S07316

Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of felonies committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district.

NY A10630

Allows an authority having jurisdiction over a volunteer fire department or fire company in a county, city, town, village, fire district, or fire protection district to provide volunteer firefighters with a stipend for responses to calls and for certain standby services.

NY SB195

Revise volunteer fire department and volunteer firefighter law

NY HB2350

volunteer firefighters; rural districts; exemption

NY S08648

Requires the office of fire prevention and control to pay training stipends in specific amounts to volunteer firefighters for completion of certain firefighter trainings; provides that if a volunteer fire company pays training stipends to volunteer firefighters in an amount below what is otherwise required to be paid by OFPC, OFPC shall pay the remaining amount.

NY SB564

Modifying requirements for volunteer firefighters to qualify for volunteer firefighter tax credit

NY HB2749

Permitting volunteer and part-volunteer fire companies and departments to use certain funds to employ or contract with certified firefighters

NY A08755

Provides cancer screening and treatment for retired volunteer firefighters; defines retired volunteer firefighters; retroactively applies to retired volunteer firefighters.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.