2014 NYSAFC Legislative Agenda Announced

2014 NYSAFC Legislative Agenda

Elimination of Exemption from Seat Belt Law – S.3733/A.5400, Senator Flanagan/Assemblymember Thiel – Support: This legislation seeks to amend existing law and require operators and passengers of certain authorized fire and EMS emergency vehicles to be restrained by safety belts. If enacted it would eliminate the existing exemption for such vehicles engaged in emergency response. We are currently working with sponsors on technical amendments to this bill.

Felony Sex Offenders – S.1885-A/A.2318-A, Senator Bonacic/Assemblymember Gunther – Support: If enacted this legislation would amend multiple applicable statutes to allow for a criminal background check on applicants or members of a volunteer fire department or EMS unit and to provide that conviction of a felony sex offense would stand as a bar of current or future membership.

EMS Billing – S.3262/A.4113, Senator Little/Assemblymember Brindisi – Support: This legislation would amend Section 209-b of the General Municipal Law to allow volunteer fire organizations to bill for service. Currently, New York state is the only state in the union to prohibit volunteer fire departments and companies from receiving reimbursement for this valuable service. This archaic rule forces taxpayers to completely fund all EMS in these service areas.

Amendments to Article 30 of the Public Health Law – Support: It has been nearly two decades since substantive amendments have been made to the section of law dealing with emergency medical provision within our state. Changes in health care laws at the state and national levels, public access, and services provided all demand an updating of these laws. Amendments such as how services are established, review of existing service providers, and organizational structure of the accompanying regional and state policy boards are ripe for review.

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