Provides a reduction in insurance premium charges for insured volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel for a 3 year period after successfully completing the emergency vehicle operator's course as part of their training.
Summary
This bill would amend New York’s Insurance Law to allow motor vehicle liability and collision insurance rating plans to include an actuarially appropriate premium reduction for insured volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel. The reduction would apply for a three-year period after the individual successfully completes the emergency vehicle operator’s course (EVOC) as part of their training. The bill specifies that the discount is tied to classroom-based EVOC instruction and would not extend to self-instruction defensive driving courses or other courses lacking the minimum classroom hours set by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The measure is structured as an amendment to existing Insurance Law section 2336, which already governs certain premium reductions and rating plan provisions. It would take effect immediately, with the new language subject to the existing sunset/reversion framework referenced in the bill. In practical terms, the bill would authorize insurers, subject to superintendent approval, to offer a limited-time auto insurance discount to qualifying volunteer first responders who complete EVOC training.
Impact
The bill would affect New York Insurance Law by expanding the categories of permissible premium reductions in motor vehicle liability and collision insurance rating plans. It would not mandate a discount, but would permit insurers to file actuarially justified reductions for volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel for three years after EVOC completion. The affected parties are insurers, the Superintendent of Financial Services, volunteer firefighters, emergency medical or other emergency personnel, and policyholders who qualify for the training-based reduction. It also reinforces that only substantive classroom EVOC instruction qualifies, excluding self-paced defensive driving courses from this benefit.
Sentiment
The bill appears generally supportive of volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel, reflecting a favorable policy approach toward recognizing training and public service through insurance savings. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no documented opposition or debate in the supplied materials. The overall tone of the bill text is straightforward and pro-incentive, with no indication of controversy in the available record.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the limitation that the premium reduction is only available for a three-year period after EVOC completion, which may be viewed as too narrow by supporters seeking a longer benefit. Another possible issue is the bill’s requirement that any discount be actuarially appropriate, which preserves insurer discretion and may limit the size or availability of the reduction. The bill also draws a clear line excluding self-instruction defensive driving courses, which could be questioned by those who believe other safety courses should qualify. No specific opposing stakeholders are identified in the provided materials.
Same As
Provides a reduction in insurance premium charges for insured volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel for a 3 year period after successfully completing the emergency vehicle operator's course as part of their training.
Provides a reduction in insurance premium charges for insured volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel for a 3 year period after successfully completing the emergency vehicle operator's course as part of their training.
Provides a reduction in insurance premium charges for insured volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel for a 3 year period after successfully completing the emergency vehicle operator's course as part of their training.
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.
Expands the purposes of the volunteer and exempt firefighters' benevolent association of Thornwood, New York; provides for the payment to it of certain taxes imposed upon premiums on policies of fire insurance in foreign insurance companies.