New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07367

Introduced
4/11/25  
Refer
4/11/25  
Engrossed
6/10/25  
Refer
6/10/25  
Refer
1/7/26  

Caption

Grants volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians academic credit at state operated institutions of the state university of New York and the senior colleges of the city university of New York to the extent of three academic credits per year, and 6 credits in the aggregate; provides that no fee, tuition or other charge shall be assessed against a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician who qualifies for such credit; directs the board of trustees of the state university and the city university of New York to adopt necessary procedures.

Impact

The passage of S07367 is expected to positively influence the academic landscape for volunteer emergency responders, allowing them to gain credit for their service while pursuing their education. The bill eliminates financial barriers by ensuring no fees are charged for the credits, which may encourage more volunteers to continue their education. This legislative change could potentially lead to an increase in the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters and EMTs, as individuals may be more inclined to participate if they see educational benefits.

Summary

Bill S07367 proposes to amend the education law to provide academic credit for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians who are enrolled full-time in state-operated institutions of the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY). Specifically, these individuals would be eligible to receive up to three academic credits per year, with a maximum of six credits applicable towards their degrees. This initiative acknowledges the vital contributions made by first responders to their communities and seeks to enhance their educational opportunities without imposing any fees or tuition charges for the credits granted.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its recognition of the sacrifices made by first responders, there may be logistical and financial implications for the SUNY and CUNY systems. Concerns could arise regarding the funding required to implement policies associated with administering these credits and ensuring that the academic quality remains intact. There may also be discussions about whether volunteer service adequately aligns with academic standards, which could lead to debates over the criteria for granting credits. Overall, the bill aims to balance the educational rights of volunteer responders with the operational capabilities of New York's higher education institutions.

Companion Bills

NY A04679

Same As Grants volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians academic credit at state operated institutions of the state university of New York and the senior colleges of the city university of New York to the extent of three academic credits per year, and 6 credits in the aggregate; provides that no fee, tuition or other charge shall be assessed against a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician who qualifies for such credit; directs the board of trustees of the state university and the city university of New York to adopt necessary procedures.

Previously Filed As

NY A04679

Grants volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians academic credit at state operated institutions of the state university of New York and the senior colleges of the city university of New York to the extent of three academic credits per year, and 6 credits in the aggregate; provides that no fee, tuition or other charge shall be assessed against a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician who qualifies for such credit; directs the board of trustees of the state university and the city university of New York to adopt necessary procedures.

NY A09690

Extends tuition free course benefits to volunteer firefighters or voluntary ambulance workers; authorizes the board of trustees of the state university to regulate the conferral of such benefits.

NY A10565

Directs the chair of the board of trustees of the city university of New York shall conduct an audit of such university's participation in retirement systems and issue a report thereon.

NY S09252

Directs the chair of the board of trustees of the city university of New York shall conduct an audit of such university's participation in retirement systems and issue a report thereon.

NY A06001

Requires that the state university of New York's board of trustees and the city university of New York's board of trustees shall each adopt a policy requiring all state university of New York, city university of New York, college, and community college campuses that offer membership programs to the general public for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities, to permit disabled veterans to obtain a membership for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities upon the same terms and conditions as apply to the general public, but without payment of any fees or other charges, or at a discounted rate; defines "disabled veteran".

NY S07784

Requires that the state university of New York's board of trustees and the city university of New York's board of trustees shall each adopt a policy requiring all state university of New York, city university of New York, college, and community college campuses that offer membership programs to the general public for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities, to permit disabled veterans to obtain a membership for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities upon the same terms and conditions as apply to the general public, but without payment of any fees or other charges, or at a discounted rate; defines "disabled veteran".

NY S09896

Permits persons 65 years of age or over to enroll in a limited number of state university and city university courses for credit without tuition.

NY A04205

Directs the board of trustees of the state university of New York and the board of trustees of the city university of New York to develop and administer the tuition exemption for law enforcement program, which exempts police officers enrolled in full-time or part-time degree programs at the state university of New York or the city university of New York, including community colleges, from tuition and fees for the duration of their enrollment.

NY A09175

Requires each institution within the state university of New York and the city university of New York offering in-person student instruction to have at least one vending machine making emergency contraception available for purchase.

NY S02314

Extends tuition free course benefits to volunteer firefighters or voluntary ambulance workers; authorizes the board of trustees of the state university to regulate the conferral of such benefits.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.