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Bill

S 8953

Establishes the Clarence Center Volunteer Exempt Firefighter's Benevolent Association

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Gallivan

Establishes a formal benevolent association to financially support Clarence Center volunteer exempt firefighters and their families, with governed funds and charitable activities.

RETURNED TO SENATE
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 8953

Bill at a glance

  • Jurisdiction: New York
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Title: Establishes the Clarence Center Volunteer Exempt Firefighter's Benevolent Association
  • Status: Passed the Senate (5/29/2026) and Assembly (6/5/2026); returned to Senate and substituted for A10051; ordered to third reading; final passage and delivery between houses occurred in June 2026
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsor Patrick Gallivan

Purpose and intent

The bill establishes a formal benevolent association—the Clarence Center Volunteer Exempt Firefighter's Benevolent Association—for volunteer exempt firefighters serving in the Clarence Center area. The core aim is to create an organizational framework to support volunteers, likely providing financial assistance, camaraderie, and resources to shield and assist members and their families in times of need, illness, injury, or death related to their service.

Key provisions and changes

  • Creation of a new legal entity: A benevolent association named the Clarence Center Volunteer Exempt Firefighter's Benevolent Association.
  • Scope of membership: Limited to volunteer exempt firefighters affiliated with Clarence Center (the bill text would specify eligible members, including active volunteers and possibly retirees or survivors).
  • Purposes and activities (typical for benevolent associations):
    • Financial assistance to members or their families in case of death, disability, or hardship related to firefighting service
    • Support services and charitable activities for members and the community
    • Management of funds, donations, and fundraising activities
  • Governance and administration: The association would have a governing structure (e.g., officers, board of directors, procedures for elections and meetings) as defined in the statute or the association’s bylaws.
  • Financial and regulatory framework: The bill likely outlines permissible uses of funds, oversight, and reporting requirements to ensure proper management of charitable assets and compliance with applicable state charitable or nonprofit laws.
  • Relationship to local government and fire department: The association operates in coordination with Clarence Center Fire Department and local authorities, potentially providing non-malary support rather than imposing costs on municipal budgets.

Affected parties

  • Primary: Clarence Center volunteer exempt firefighters and their families, who would be eligible to receive benevolent support and participate in the association’s activities.
  • Secondary: The broader Clarence Center community, which may benefit from increased support for volunteers and related charitable events.
  • Potential creditors or donors: Those contributing to the association and requiring compliance with nonprofit governance standards.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Initial referral: Referred to the Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions (1/21/2026).
  • Progression:
    • Advanced in the Senate; passed on 5/29/2026
    • Delivered to Assembly; passed Assembly on 6/5/2026
    • Returned to Senate and substituted for A10051 on 6/5/2026
    • Ordered to third reading on 6/5/2026 (Rules CAL.576)
  • Enactment: Following passage in both houses and any signature by the governor, the act would take effect as provided in the bill (specific effective date would be stated in the text).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Positive community impact: Establishing a benevolent association can provide timely assistance to volunteer firefighters and their families, enhancing welfare and morale.
  • Oversight and transparency: As a charitable/beneficiary organization, the association would be subject to governance standards and reporting requirements to ensure funds are used appropriately.
  • Fiscal implications: The association would manage donations and benevolent funds; no direct municipal funding obligation is described, but local coordination with the Clarence Center Fire Department is anticipated.
  • Legal considerations: The bill would define the entity’s authority, governance, and permissible activities within New York law, including nonprofit regulatory compliance.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., constituents, municipal officials) or extract potential fiscal notes or required reporting provisions once the bill’s full text is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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