Establishes the volunteer fire departments capital fund under the office of fire prevention and control; appropriates funds for such capital fund.
Impact
The introduction of this capital fund is intended to bolster support for volunteer fire departments, which often rely on community fundraising and municipal budgets for resources. By enabling a state-level fund, A09336 aims to ensure these departments can access necessary financial resources for equipment, training, and other essential services. The legislation reflects an understanding of the increasing operational costs faced by volunteer departments and the importance of maintaining their readiness and response capabilities in emergency situations.
Summary
Bill A09336 proposes the establishment of a volunteer fire departments capital fund under the New York Office of Fire Prevention and Control, aimed at providing financial assistance to volunteer fire departments across the state. The bill specifies that the fund will be composed of appropriated state money that will be utilized to make grants to qualifying volunteer fire departments based on criteria established by the office. This initiative supports the operational and infrastructural needs of such departments, recognizing their vital role in local emergency services.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise surrounding the allocation of these funds and the eligibility criteria for receiving grants. Questions could be raised regarding the fairness of the distribution process, especially in terms of ensuring that all volunteer fire departments, regardless of size or location, have equal access to the resources provided by the state. Critics may argue that larger or more urban departments could receive preferential treatment over smaller rural departments. Additionally, some stakeholders might express concerns about the long-term sustainability of the fund and whether it would provide sufficient ongoing support to meet the evolving needs of volunteer fire services.
Establishes law enforcement officer grant funds and firefighter grant funds to cover expenses related to hiring law enforcement officers and firefighters and equipment and resources for such officers and firefighters.
Establishes law enforcement officer grant funds and firefighter grant funds to cover expenses related to hiring law enforcement officers and firefighters and equipment and resources for such officers and firefighters.
Allows municipalities to enact a local law, ordinance or resolution authorizing a fire company to establish a stipend program for volunteer firefighters who schedule and complete daytime duty coverage; allows the office of fire prevention and control may make available state funds through a day shift stipend to volunteer firefighters for scheduled daytime duty coverage.
Requires the office of fire prevention and control to pay training stipends in specific amounts to volunteer firefighters for completion of certain firefighter trainings; provides that if a volunteer fire company pays training stipends to volunteer firefighters in an amount below what is otherwise required to be paid by OFPC, OFPC shall pay the remaining amount.
Creates a volunteer firefighter scholarship program and a volunteer firefighter scholarship fund; rewards volunteer firefighters who respond to twenty-five percent of emergency calls for eight years with a student loan award equal to four times the SUNY tuition rate; makes an appropriation therefor.
Establishes the volunteer fire infrastructure and response equipment (V-FIRE) grant program to support projects which sustain or enhance fire prevention and response operations, and fire prevention and response services infrastructure and equipment.
Establishes the Clarence Center Volunteer Exempt Firefighter's Benevolent Association; provides for eligibility of membership, purpose, powers and duties, organization meeting and by-laws, the control and disposal of funds and property and the precept for payment of foreign fire insurance premium taxes.
Establishes the Clarence Center Volunteer Exempt Firefighter's Benevolent Association; provides for eligibility of membership, purpose, powers and duties, organization meeting and by-laws, the control and disposal of funds and property and the precept for payment of foreign fire insurance premium taxes.