New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09347

Introduced
3/4/26  

Caption

Provides for local input for the dissolution of a fire district by requiring the governing body of the fire district enact a resolution calling for a referendum on the proposed dissolution by the electors in the fire district.

Impact

If enacted, S09347 would empower residents within a fire district to vote on matters pertaining to its dissolution, which could significantly impact local governance structures. The bill stipulates the procedure for conducting the referendum, including notification requirements to the public, thus promoting transparency and public engagement in the decision-making process. This change reflects a shift towards greater accountability and involvement of citizens in governance matters at the local level, ensuring that decisions are made with the explicit consent of the electorate.

Summary

Bill S09347 proposes to amend the general municipal law in New York State concerning the dissolution of fire districts. The bill aims to enhance local governance by requiring a referendum for the dissolution of a fire district. It mandates that whenever a dissolution plan is finalized, the fire district's governing body must enact a resolution that calls for a public vote on the proposed dissolution. This mechanism ensures that community members have a direct voice in significant decisions affecting their local fire services.

Contention

Notable points of contention around S09347 may arise in the context of financial and operational implications of dissolving fire districts. Critics may argue that requiring a referendum could complicate necessary reforms or adjustments to fire services, particularly in financially struggling areas. Additionally, there could be debates regarding the administrative burden of organizing referendums and whether such processes might delay critical changes needed for efficient service delivery. Proponents, however, argue that the benefits of public input far outweigh these concerns, as local residents are best positioned to determine the adequacy of their fire services.

Companion Bills

NY A10557

Same As Provides for local input for the dissolution of a fire district by requiring the governing body of the fire district enact a resolution calling for a referendum on the proposed dissolution by the electors in the fire district.

Previously Filed As

NY A10557

Provides for local input for the dissolution of a fire district by requiring the governing body of the fire district enact a resolution calling for a referendum on the proposed dissolution by the electors in the fire district.

NY HF501

A bill for an act relating to school districts, including by modifying provisions related to school district dissolution proposals and election dates for school district mergers, consolidations, or dissolutions.

NY A09615

Includes special districts in veterans' real property tax exemptions provided that such special district exemption is adopted by the local governing body.

NY HB2010

Relating to the dissolution of certain special districts.

NY SB2786

Water districts; allow for dissolution and reorganization as association.

NY HB1752

Authorizes fire protection districts to distribute or sell surplus fire protection district property

NY S09827

Relates to the regulation of three-dimensional printed firearms; provides that a person who intentionally sells, distributes, or disposes of a three-dimensional printed firearm is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

NY HB1452

Utility districts; authorize to dissolve by chancery court order of dissolution.

NY A10498

Authorizes the village of Mayville to transfer the funds of the Mayville ambulance reserve fund and the Mayville fire and rescue equipment reserve fund to the newly formed North Lake Fire District reserve accounts.

NY A09593

Requires the court to treat the date of dissolution as if a spouse retired from employment with New York state when calculating the distribution of a pension for the purposes of divorce.

Similar Bills

NY A10557

Provides for local input for the dissolution of a fire district by requiring the governing body of the fire district enact a resolution calling for a referendum on the proposed dissolution by the electors in the fire district.

IL SB2504

TWP CD-CONSOLIDATION & MERGER

PA SB632

Providing for the voluntary dissolution of the existing form of governance of a municipal corporation located in a county of the second class and the creation of unincorporated districts of counties of the second class; authorizing the county to assume responsibility for the governance of the municipal corporation and delivery of public services to the citizens residing in the municipal corporation through the administration of an unincorporated district; authorizing unincorporated district advisory committees; and making a repeal.

PA HB1211

Providing for the voluntary dissolution of the existing form of governance of a municipal corporation located in a county of the second class and the creation of unincorporated districts of counties of the second class; authorizing the county to assume responsibility for the governance of the municipal corporation and delivery of public services to the citizens residing in the municipal corporation through the administration of an unincorporated district; authorizing unincorporated district advisory committees; and making a repeal.

IL HB3581

TWP CD-TOWNSHIP DISSOLUTION

FL S1122

Activities of Special Districts

GA HB1036

Property Rights Through the Ballot Act; enact

FL H4067

Plantation Acres Improvement District, Broward County