Establishes a municipal group insurance technical assistance program for the purpose of assisting persons and municipalities with access to indemnity insurance and employee compensation pursuant to the volunteer firefighter's benefit law.
Impact
The introduction of this bill is expected to have a significant positive impact on the state's volunteer firefighting community. By facilitating better access to insurance resources, it aims to bolster the safety and support structures available for firefighters. Furthermore, this initiative could streamline the current system which often presents challenges for those seeking assistance with their indemnity insurance needs. The bill promotes more robust educational components, enabling volunteers and municipalities to understand their rights and responsibilities regarding indemnity insurance.
Summary
Bill A09124 proposes the establishment of a Municipal Group Insurance Technical Assistance Program designed to provide crucial support to municipalities and individuals accessing indemnity insurance and employee compensation under the Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit Law. The program aims to improve access to necessary insurance coverages for volunteer firefighters, thus ensuring they are adequately protected in their line of duty. The bill outlines specific responsibilities for the Workers' Compensation Board in managing the program, emphasizing prompt support and efficient resolution of complaints related to indemnity insurance claims.
Contention
While the intent behind A09124 is generally favorable, some points of contention may arise regarding its implementation and funding structure. Opponents might question how the program will be funded and whether the allocation of resources could be better utilized elsewhere. There may also be concerns over the bureaucratic processes involved in establishing the assistance program and whether it might inadvertently create additional hurdles for municipalities rather than easing access to necessary insurance. Ongoing discussions will likely need to address these potential challenges as the bill is considered by the committee.
Same As
Establishes a municipal group insurance technical assistance program for the purpose of assisting persons and municipalities with access to indemnity insurance and employee compensation pursuant to the volunteer firefighter's benefit law.
Establishes a municipal group insurance technical assistance program for the purpose of assisting persons and municipalities with access to indemnity insurance and employee compensation pursuant to the volunteer firefighter's benefit law.
Authorizes municipalities and districts to enter into cooperative agreements for the provision of centralized public employee administrative and personnel services; provides for health insurance coverage of municipal employees pursuant to standardized health insurance contracts; authorizes the provision of reduced premiums for municipal health insurance plans which offer wellness programs.
Permits inclusion of volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders within municipal eligible employee group for purposes of the small employer health benefits plan statutes.
Permits inclusion of volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders within municipal eligible employee group for purposes of small employer health benefits plan statutes.
Expands the purposes of the volunteer and exempt firefighters' benevolent association of Thornwood, New York; provides for the payment to it of certain taxes imposed upon premiums on policies of fire insurance in foreign insurance companies.
Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of felonies committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district.
Relates to the purpose of the Macedon Center Volunteer and Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Association, Inc., and the use of foreign fire insurance premium taxes.
Relates to the purpose of the Macedon Center Volunteer and Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Association, Inc., and the use of foreign fire insurance premium taxes.
Relates to the Nesconset Volunteer Exempt Firefighter's Benevolent Association; provides for the purpose of such association, and its use of foreign fire insurance premium taxes.
Relates to the Nesconset Volunteer Exempt Firefighter's Benevolent Association; provides for the purpose of such association, and its use of foreign fire insurance premium taxes.