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 S07316 amends the general municipal law to require the forfeiture of benefits from service awards programs for volunteer firefighters who are convicted of certain crimes, specifically arson or any felony committed against a volunteer fire department or related entities. This legislation aims to ensure that individuals who engage in criminal activities that harm the very organizations they serve do not receive benefits intended for dedicated volunteers. The bill emphasizes accountability and integrity within volunteer fire services.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will directly affect the eligibility of volunteer firefighters for benefits under service award programs in New York. It specifically targets those convicted of felonies that are committed against their own departments or associated entities, thereby reinforcing the principle that criminal behavior undermines the trust and safety of these community services. The amendment will likely lead to a reevaluation of eligibility criteria for service awards and could deter potential criminal behavior among volunteers.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S07316 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the unanimous support during voting sessions, with 58 votes in favor during the final passage and no opposing votes recorded. This suggests a strong consensus among legislators regarding the importance of maintaining the integrity of volunteer fire services and ensuring that benefits are reserved for those who uphold the values of their roles.
Contention
While the bill has received broad support, some potential points of contention may arise regarding the definition of eligible felonies and the implications for due process for accused individuals. Concerns may be raised about the fairness of forfeiting benefits based solely on conviction without considering the context of the crime or the individual's overall service record. However, no formal opposition has been recorded in the discussions or votes thus far.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Provides cancer screening and treatment for retired volunteer firefighters; defines retired volunteer firefighters; retroactively applies to retired volunteer firefighters.