New York Assembly Bill A10902

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/26
• Refer: 4/8/26

Caption

Exempts the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department No. 1, Inc. from the requirement that the percentage of non-resident fire department members not exceed forty-five percent of the membership.

Impact

The bill, if passed, would directly impact how volunteer fire departments operate within New York State by altering the membership criteria. Local fire departments facing recruitment challenges would have increased latitude in including non-residents, which may enhance their operational capabilities. The intention behind this amendment is to bolster volunteer fire service participation, ensuring robust emergency response mechanisms in communities that rely on these services.

Summary

Bill A10902 aims to amend the not-for-profit corporation law to exempt the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department from the existing requirement that non-resident members of fire departments must not exceed forty-five percent of the total membership. This change is particularly focused on allowing more flexibility in the composition of volunteer fire departments, which often rely heavily on local community members as well as those living outside of designated areas, especially in rural jurisdictions where volunteer resources might be limited.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding A10902 may reflect broader debates on local control and the implications of allowing non-residents to have a significant role in local fire departments. Some stakeholders might argue that reducing restrictions on non-resident membership dilutes community ties essential for effective emergency response. Conversely, proponents could argue this adjustment is essential for maintaining critical firefighting resources, particularly in areas experiencing staffing shortfalls. As such, the bill has the potential to generate differing viewpoints on the balance between local governance and the practical needs of emergency services.