WeVote

Bill

Bill

A 4822

Relates to COVID-19 exposure during a state of emergency by volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kwani O'Pharrow and 1 co-sponsor

Addresses COVID-19 exposure for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers during declared emergencies, clarifying protections and coverage for in-duty exposure.

REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4822

Summary of Bill A 4822

Overview

Bill A 4822 is a New York State bill introduced on February 6, 2025. Its title, “Relates to COVID-19 exposure during a state of emergency by volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers,” indicates that the measure would address issues concerning COVID-19 exposure for volunteers during declared emergencies. The current publicly available metadata does not include the bill’s full text, so the exact provisions are not specified here.

Purpose and intent (as suggested by the title)

  • The bill appears to focus on COVID-19 exposure scenarios involving volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers during a state of emergency.
  • The purpose may involve protections, clarifications, or coverage related to exposure in the line of duty, potentially affecting volunteers, their employing or coordinating agencies, and the administration of related benefits or liabilities. Specific policy goals (e.g., liability protections, workers’ compensation implications, or safety/compliance requirements) are not stated in the available information.

Key provisions and changes (not available in full text)

  • The exact provisions are not provided in the available materials. Readers should review the bill’s text for:
    • Definitions of key terms (e.g., “COVID-19 exposure,” “state of emergency,” “volunteer firefighter,” “volunteer ambulance worker”).
    • Any changes to liability, immunity, or workers’ compensation treatment related to exposure.
    • Responsibilities of volunteer organizations or government agencies during emergencies.
    • Effective dates, retroactivity, and reporting or enforcement mechanisms.
    • Any funding or cost implications for local governments or volunteer organizations.

Who would be affected

  • Primary: Volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers operating during a declared state of emergency.
  • Secondary: Volunteer organizations, fire/EMS departments, and local or state government agencies that administer or oversee volunteer emergency responders; potentially the volunteers’ employers or sponsoring entities.

Procedural/status/timeline

  • Introduced: February 6, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to Local Governments (listed twice in the provided record, which may reflect documentation duplication).
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would typically move to a relevant committee for hearings and amendment before possible floor consideration.

Related legislation

  • Related bills from prior sessions: A 10172, A 1560, and A 1511. These references suggest ongoing interest in issues surrounding COVID-19 exposure and volunteer emergency responders in earlier sessions.

Note: This summary is based on the bill’s title and available metadata. For a precise understanding of provisions, read the actual bill text and any fiscal notes or committee reports when released.

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

Sign in to ask a question.