Establishes the New York state volunteer fire protection emergency reimbursement account

2025 Regular Session Introduced by George Borrello and 2 co-sponsors

Creates the New York State volunteer fire protection emergency reimbursement account to reimburse eligible emergency costs borne by volunteer fire departments.

REFERRED TO BUDGET AND REVENUE

Overview

S.4949, introduced on February 14, 2025, would create a new state-level account called the New York state volunteer fire protection emergency reimbursement account. The bill is currently “REFFERED TO BUDGET AND REVENUE,” indicating it has entered the budget and revenue review process. Primary sponsorship is by Senator Robert Ortt, with Senators George Borrello and Pamela Helming listed as cosponsors. Related bills from prior sessions (S.8354, S.3728, S.1272) suggest ongoing legislative interest in formalizing state-level support for volunteer fire protection.

Purpose and intent

Establish a dedicated fund or account to reimburse certain costs incurred by volunteer fire protection entities in connection with emergencies.

The bill aims to provide a mechanism for financial reimbursement, potentially easing the cost burden on volunteer fire departments and districts during emergency operations or related activities.

Key provisions (as implied by the bill’s title and status)

Creation of a New York state volunteer fire protection emergency reimbursement account.

Establishment of eligibility criteria for reimbursement (which would be defined in the bill’s text).

Procedures for applying for, approving, and disbursing reimbursements (to be detailed in the bill).

Funding and administration framework, including how the account is funded (likely annual appropriations or other state funding mechanisms) and who administers the program.

Oversight and reporting requirements to ensure accountability and proper use of funds.

Note: The specific language of provisions (e.g., eligible costs, caps, application timelines, covered expenses) is not provided here and would be in the bill text itself.

Affected parties

Primary beneficiaries: Volunteer fire protection organizations in New York (volunteer fire departments and possibly fire protection districts) that incur eligible emergency-related costs.

Potential indirect effects on local governments and emergency management operations if reimbursements affect budgeting for volunteer services.

Funding, administration, and timelines

Funding source and administration are to be established by the bill; given its referral to Budget and Revenue, fiscal implications will be a key focus during committee review.

No enacted effective date is indicated beyond the present introduction; the timeline will depend on legislative action, amendments, and subsequent approvals.

Legislative context and next steps

The bill is in the early stages of the legislative process (budget and revenue committee referral).

Related prior-session bills indicate a continued interest in state support for volunteer fire services.

If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes, with final enactment requiring passage by both chambers and signature by the Governor.

Bill