WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 9657

Permits schools to allow fire departments to make a recruitment presentation in a high school

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Karl Brabenec and 15 co-sponsors

Allows high schools to permit local fire departments to recruit students on campus through presentations and Q&A, case-by-case with principal approval.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
7
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 9657

Summary of Bill A. 9657 (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and intent

  • This bill amends the Education Law to authorize high schools to allow local fire departments to conduct recruitment activities on school premises.
  • The aim is to facilitate junior recruitment efforts by fire departments, providing an organized pathway for students to learn about careers in firefighting.

Key provisions and changes

  • New provision added: Section 807-e, Fire department recruitment.
    • A high school principal may permit a local fire department, upon request, to enter the school for the purpose of junior recruitment.
    • Allowed activities during such visits include:
    • Making presentations to students
    • Disseminating recruitment literature
    • Answering questions from students
  • The act does not specify mandatory activities or funding; it merely authorizes the principal to approve access on a case-by-case basis.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect on the first July 1 following the date it becomes law.

Who/what is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: High school students and local fire departments seeking to recruit potential future firefighters.
  • University/school administrators: High school principals who would authorize or deny access for fire department recruitment visits.
  • Local fire departments: Given an explicit, authorized channel to present recruitment information within high schools.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Process to implement:
    • A local fire department must submit a request to the high school principal.
    • The principal has the discretion to permit entry for recruitment activities.
  • Effective date timeline:
    • The law becomes effective on July 1 of the year following enactment.

Additional notes

  • The legislation adds a narrowly scoped authority without detailing funding, program requirements, or oversight mechanisms beyond principal approval.
  • The bill has multiple co-sponsors, indicating broad legislative support across the Assembly.

If you’d like, I can provide a comparison with similar recruitment authorization provisions in other states or analyze potential impacts on school schedules, student privacy, and safety policies.

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

Sign in to ask a question.