New York Assembly Bill A09200

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

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

Caption

Exempts the Cody Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. within the town of Granby, Oswego county, from the requirement that the percentage of non-resident fire department members not exceed forty-five percent of the membership.

Impact

The amendment is designed to empower the Cody Volunteer Fire Department by providing more flexibility regarding membership. Supporters of the bill argue that expanding the pool of potential volunteer firefighters is crucial, especially in rural areas where local resident numbers may not be sufficient to ensure effective fire protection services. This may enhance the department's operational capability and response times during emergencies, ultimately benefiting public safety in the community.

Summary

Bill A09200 aims to amend the not-for-profit corporation law to provide an exemption for the Cody Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. in Granby, Oswego County. This exemption allows the department to operate with a higher percentage of non-resident members than is typical under current state law. Specifically, it seeks to lift the cap that restricts the number of non-resident members to no more than forty-five percent of the total membership, thereby facilitating the inclusion of additional volunteers from outside the community.

Contention

Despite potential benefits, the bill may face contention from various quarters. Critics might contend that permitting a larger number of non-residents could undermine community involvement and local accountability within fire services. There are concerns that non-residents may not be as invested in community health and safety, thus risking the traditional ties and local support that volunteer organizations typically rely upon. Additionally, there may be debates regarding how this shift could influence existing funding and support structures for volunteer fire departments across the state.