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New York Senate Bill S09351
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09351

Introduced
3/4/26  

Caption

Exempts the village of Williamsville fire department, located in the village of Williamsville, county of Erie, from the requirement that the percentage of non-resident fire department members not exceed forty-five percent of its membership.

Impact

The impact of this legislation is primarily focused on local governance and recruitment policies for volunteer fire departments. By removing the limitation on non-resident membership, the village of Williamsville can attract more volunteers, which may enhance its emergency response capabilities. This amendment could serve as a model for other municipalities facing similar challenges in volunteer recruitment, particularly in areas where local population density might limit the number of available candidates.

Summary

Bill S09351 is designed to amend existing village law regarding the composition of volunteer firefighter departments in the state of New York. Specifically, it exempts the village of Williamsville fire department from the restriction that no more than 45 percent of its membership can be non-resident members. This change is significant as it allows the Williamsville fire department to potentially increase its non-resident volunteer membership beyond the previously set threshold, addressing concerns about recruitment and operational readiness in the village.

Contention

While the bill presents opportunities for the Williamsville fire department, it also raises questions about potential inequalities in volunteer fire department operations across different villages. Critics might argue that such exemptions could lead to discrepancies in the availability of local services, as some fire departments may still face restrictions on non-resident membership. This situation could lead to debates surrounding fairness and accountability within the statewide fire service framework, with some believing that local authority should be maintained over membership regulations.

Companion Bills

NY A10201

Same As Exempts the village of Williamsville fire department, located in the village of Williamsville, county of Erie, from the requirement that the percentage of non-resident fire department members not exceed forty-five percent of its membership.

Previously Filed As

NY A10201

Exempts the village of Williamsville fire department, located in the village of Williamsville, county of Erie, from the requirement that the percentage of non-resident fire department members not exceed forty-five percent of its membership.

NY S10176

Exempts the East Concord Fire Department, Inc. from the requirement that the percentage of non-resident fire department members not exceed forty-five percent of the membership.

NY S10028

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.

NY A10902

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.

NY S08681

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.

NY A09200

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.

NY A01455

Exempts the South Onondaga Fire Department within the town of Onondaga, Onondaga county, from the requirement that the percentage of non-resident fire department members not exceed forty-five percent of the membership.

NY S06044

Exempts the South Onondaga Fire Department within the town of Onondaga, Onondaga county, from the requirement that the percentage of non-resident fire department members not exceed forty-five percent of the membership.

NY A09199

Exempts the Caughdenoy Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., within the town of Central Square, Oswego county from the forty-five percent limit on non-resident members.

NY S07204

Exempts the Caughdenoy Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., within the town of Central Square, Oswego county from the forty-five percent limit on non-resident members.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.