Legislative Update for 2012

Each year since the mid-1990s, fire service associations from across New York state have joined together to identify and prioritize those legislative issues that are of highest concern. Although not all associations support every agenda item, each organization does agree in theory with the issues that have been identified. This year all of NYSAFC's legislative initiatives have been included on this joint list, aptly termed the "Issues of United Concern."

Providing New York's legislators and Executive Branch with a unified approach helps ensure that we have a greater opportunity to achieve success in the halls of Albany. When meeting with your legislators you can always feel comfortable pointing them toward these items, knowing that all the associations involved have lent their time and support.

Most items already have sponsors and bill numbers; however, given that it's the beginning of the second half of a two-year session, one of the bills was vetoed (see related story "Governor Vetoes Firefighters Memorial Legislation"). In addition, the associations are meeting with sponsors to plan out a strategy for those items that don't yet have numbers listed on the agenda.

Fallen Firefighter Memorial Recognition Bill – To amend VFBL law to provide that in the case of a line of duty death where a benefit is paid to a covered volunteer, that the name of that volunteer firefighter shall be inscribed upon the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the Capitol Mall in Albany.

Bail Out Rope Reform – To support legislation that clarifies the requirements of existing law and regulations regarding safety rules for firefighter above ground evacuation equipment and procedures.

Consolidation Amendments – To seek amendments to the New York Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act.

Elimination of Exemption from Seat Belt Law – To seek legislation to require operators and passengers of certain authorized fire and EMS emergency vehicles to be restrained by safety belts by eliminating the existing exemption for such vehicles engaged in emergency response.

Felony/Sex Offenders – To amend applicable statutes to allow for a full criminal background check on applicants or members of a volunteer fire department or EMS unit, and to provide for refusal of membership or expulsion of persons convicted of certain sex or felony offenses. Currently, the only offenses that are a bar to service as a volunteer firefighter are arson convictions.

Affordable Health Insurance for Volunteers – To enact legislation that requires health insurers to cover volunteers when a municipality allows volunteers, at their own expense, to participate in its plan and to provide for affordable health insurance for volunteers by permitting them to participate in the Healthy New York Program also at their own expense.

Novelty Lighters – To amend the General Business Law to prohibit the retail sale and distribution of novelty lighters.

For further information, click here to email NYSAFC Executive Director Thomas L. LaBelle.