New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04679

Introduced
2/4/25  
Refer
2/4/25  

Caption

Grants volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians academic credit at state operated institutions of the state university of New York and the senior colleges of the city university of New York to the extent of three academic credits per year, and 6 credits in the aggregate; provides that no fee, tuition or other charge shall be assessed against a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician who qualifies for such credit; directs the board of trustees of the state university and the city university of New York to adopt necessary procedures.

Impact

If enacted, A04679 would facilitate enhanced educational opportunities for volunteer firefighters and EMTs by acknowledging their contributions to public safety. This measure is expected to promote engagement in higher education among these individuals and incentivize volunteer service. The policy would require the boards of trustees of SUNY and CUNY to develop specific implementation procedures to administer this program. As such, it underscores the state's commitment to supporting first responders and could potentially improve the retention of volunteers in critical community services.

Summary

Bill A04679 seeks to amend the education law in New York State by granting academic credit to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Specifically, the bill proposes that these individuals, while enrolled full-time as undergraduate students at state-operated institutions of the State University of New York (SUNY) or the City University of New York (CUNY), can earn up to three academic credits per year, with a maximum of six credits over their academic career. Importantly, this bill stipulates that no fees or tuition charges will be levied against qualifying individuals for these credits.

Contention

The introduction of this bill may spark discussions regarding the allocation of state resources in education and the benefits afforded to specific groups. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary recognition of the sacrifices made by volunteer emergency responders. Critics may question whether this preferential treatment diverges resources from other programs or educational initiatives, and whether it sets a precedent for similar proposals targeting other professions or volunteer services.

Companion Bills

NY S07367

Same As Grants volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians academic credit at state operated institutions of the state university of New York and the senior colleges of the city university of New York to the extent of three academic credits per year, and 6 credits in the aggregate; provides that no fee, tuition or other charge shall be assessed against a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician who qualifies for such credit; directs the board of trustees of the state university and the city university of New York to adopt necessary procedures.

Previously Filed As

NY S07367

Grants volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians academic credit at state operated institutions of the state university of New York and the senior colleges of the city university of New York to the extent of three academic credits per year, and 6 credits in the aggregate; provides that no fee, tuition or other charge shall be assessed against a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician who qualifies for such credit; directs the board of trustees of the state university and the city university of New York to adopt necessary procedures.

NY A09690

Extends tuition free course benefits to volunteer firefighters or voluntary ambulance workers; authorizes the board of trustees of the state university to regulate the conferral of such benefits.

NY A10565

Directs the chair of the board of trustees of the city university of New York shall conduct an audit of such university's participation in retirement systems and issue a report thereon.

NY S09252

Directs the chair of the board of trustees of the city university of New York shall conduct an audit of such university's participation in retirement systems and issue a report thereon.

NY A06001

Requires that the state university of New York's board of trustees and the city university of New York's board of trustees shall each adopt a policy requiring all state university of New York, city university of New York, college, and community college campuses that offer membership programs to the general public for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities, to permit disabled veterans to obtain a membership for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities upon the same terms and conditions as apply to the general public, but without payment of any fees or other charges, or at a discounted rate; defines "disabled veteran".

NY S07784

Requires that the state university of New York's board of trustees and the city university of New York's board of trustees shall each adopt a policy requiring all state university of New York, city university of New York, college, and community college campuses that offer membership programs to the general public for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities, to permit disabled veterans to obtain a membership for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities upon the same terms and conditions as apply to the general public, but without payment of any fees or other charges, or at a discounted rate; defines "disabled veteran".

NY S09896

Permits persons 65 years of age or over to enroll in a limited number of state university and city university courses for credit without tuition.

NY A04205

Directs the board of trustees of the state university of New York and the board of trustees of the city university of New York to develop and administer the tuition exemption for law enforcement program, which exempts police officers enrolled in full-time or part-time degree programs at the state university of New York or the city university of New York, including community colleges, from tuition and fees for the duration of their enrollment.

NY A09175

Requires each institution within the state university of New York and the city university of New York offering in-person student instruction to have at least one vending machine making emergency contraception available for purchase.

NY S02314

Extends tuition free course benefits to volunteer firefighters or voluntary ambulance workers; authorizes the board of trustees of the state university to regulate the conferral of such benefits.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.