New York Assembly Bill A09199

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/3/25
• Refer: 11/3/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Exempts the Caughdenoy Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., within the town of Central Square, Oswego county from the forty-five percent limit on non-resident members.

Impact

Should A09199 pass, it would allow for a more inclusive approach in volunteer recruitment, enabling fire departments like Caughdenoy to maintain their operational readiness by tapping into a broader pool of candidates. This change is particularly relevant in areas where local populations may not be sufficient to staff the fire department effectively. The bill recognizes that non-residents who are part of the community, either through employment or proximity, can offer valuable support as volunteer firefighters, thus potentially improving emergency response times and community safety.

Summary

Bill A09199 proposes an amendment to the not-for-profit corporation law in New York State to exempt the Caughdenoy Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. from a previously established limit on non-resident members, which is generally capped at forty-five percent. This legislation aims to provide greater flexibility in the recruitment of firefighters who may not reside within the designated service areas but can still provide essential services to the community. The proposal underscores the state's commitment to enhancing volunteer fire departments' operational capabilities, particularly in rural or less populated regions where personnel availability might be an issue.

Contention

Despite the benefits outlined, the bill may face opposition from those concerned that relaxing the limits on non-resident members could weaken community ties or reduce the accountability and familiarization that residents typically have with local issues. Critics might argue that allowing non-resident members could lead to a detach from the community's specific needs and reduce the number of local scouting opportunities for firefighting positions. As the bill progresses, discussions will likely center around striking a balance between operational needs and community representation within volunteer fire services.