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Bill

S 10244

Relates to the use of certain moneys received by the West Babylon Volunteer Firemen's Benevolent Association and the modernization of certain language

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Monica Martinez

Updates governance and restriction on use of insurance premium tax proceeds to fund the benevolent association’s mission for West Babylon firefighters.

REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
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Bill Summary · S 10244

Overview

Bill S. 10244 (2025-2026, New York) amends Chapter 459 of the laws of 1962 that incorporated the West Babylon Volunteer Firemen's Benevolent Association. The primary aims are to clarify and update the use of certain funds received by the benevolent association and to modernize language within the act. The bill was introduced by Senator Martinez and referred to the Senate Committee on Local Government.

Main purpose and intent

  • To modify how funds and property of the West Babylon Volunteer Firemen's Benevolent Association are controlled, disposed of, and used.
  • To modernize language within the original 1962 act, including terminology related to “firemen/firefighters.”
  • To align tax-related provisions with current law and ensure funds are used to further the association’s stated philanthropic purpose.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Section 1 – Incorporation and membership updated language

    • Retains the existing structure for membership eligibility (active volunteer members of the West Babylon Volunteer Fire Department or related fire corporations, with continued eligibility for those who have achieved exempt firefighter status under applicable law).
    • Clarifies rules around eligibility, including restrictions on membership for individuals removed for cause, expulsion, or not reinstated, and conditions when membership terminates (e.g., leaving the fire district or moving to an area without fire protection).

  2. Section 2 – Membership eligibility details (existing provisions retained with updated language)

    • Specifies that membership terminates upon withdrawal of active volunteer status.
    • Addresses scenarios where a member moves away from the district or into territory without fire protection services.

  3. Section 6 – Governance and control of funds and property

    • Reaffirms that a nine-member Board of Trustees (president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and five trustees) manages funds, property, and affairs.
    • Officers and trustees are elected at the annual meeting per by-laws.

  4. Section 7 – Precept and use of insurance premium taxes

    • The association collects and receives taxes (precepts) under specific sections of the Insurance Law (currently referenced as sections 9,900-4 and 9,900-5, with wording adjusted to the new numbering in the act: “section nine thousand one hundred four” and “section nine thousand one hundred five”).
    • The taxes are for fire department use and benefit, payable on premiums for fire-related insurance within the West Babylon fire district and other territories the association serves.
    • The designated officer has powers and duties analogous to treasurers of fire departments under the Insurance Law.
    • The association is entitled to a share of the tax revenue based on the business written in the territory it serves.
    • Importantly, funds derived from these taxes must be used to further the association’s purposes, explicitly replacing prior language that restricted use to care and relief of disabled or indigent volunteer/exempt firefighters and their families. The new language ties tax proceeds to the broader purpose stated in the act’s section 3.

  5. Effective date

    • The act takes effect immediately.
    • Amendments to the tax-related provisions apply to taxes due and premiums received on or after January 1, 2027.

Who or what would be affected

  • The West Babylon Volunteer Firemen’s Benevolent Association (the benevolent association) and its governance structure (board of trustees and officers).
  • Members of the West Babylon Volunteer Fire Department (and related fire corporations within the district) eligible for or prospective members.
  • Tax matters related to premium taxes collected under the Insurance Law for properties within the West Babylon district or other territories served by the department.
  • Insurance premium tax administrators and the designated association officer responsible for collecting and receiving these taxes.

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • The bill was introduced in May 2026 and referred to the Local Government committee.
  • The act would take effect immediately upon enactment, with the tax provision amendments applying to taxes due and premiums received starting January 1, 2027.

Summary in plain language

S. 10244 updates the West Babylon Benevolent Association’s governing language and specifies how it can use certain insurance premium taxes it collects. It keeps the membership framework for active volunteer firefighters and clarifies termination rules. It upgrades the governance structure to a nine-member board and confirms the association’s role in receiving and distributing tax revenue generated from fire insurance premiums, directing those funds to purposes aligned with the association’s mission. The changes take effect immediately, with the revised tax provisions applying to 2027 premiums and taxes.

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

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