Legislation

FASNY was organized in 1872 for the purpose of protecting the interests of volunteer firefighters in New York State. Part of FASNY’s stated mission is to maintain, support and serve the volunteer fire service and the public they serve through legislation. FASNY has a Legislative Committee and a Legislative Representative to fulfill this mission.

We also depend on you, the volunteer firefighter, to support these initiatives. Visit our Legislative Action Center now to make your voice heard on the latest legislation. Sign up for the FASNY email updates to support our efforts throughout the year.

FASNY Legislative Committee

The Legislative Committee is composed of FASNY members from across the State and is instrumental in the development and advocacy of the legislative agenda, commonly referred to as the FASNY Scorecard. The legislative agenda consists of bill proposals and other FASNY resolutions. The FASNY Scorecard is developed by county and Sectional organizations for presentation at the FASNY Legislative Conference each year.

FASNY Legislative Conference

Every fall, FASNY conducts its Legislative Conference. In preparation for the conference, the Legislative Committee compiles a comprehensive list of possible legislative items with a brief description of each item.

The Legislative Committee develops this list by reviewing items from the prior year’s legislative agenda, by soliciting input from Sectional and county organizations, and by discussing emerging issues with other FASNY committees and individual FASNY members.

At the Legislative Conference, the various proposals are discussed with the Legislative Committee and the Legislative Representative by the Sectional and county organizations along with the membership in attendance. Throughout the conference, proposed legislative items are reviewed, debated and refined.

After thorough discussion of the issues, the Sectional organizations make recommendations for the FASNY Scorecard. In addition, the FASNY members present at the conference can add or withhold their recommendations during the course of Saturday’s deliberations.

The Legislative Committee, in consultation with the Legislative Representative, then refines and prioritizes the issues in preparation for bill introduction. The Legislative Committee and Legislative Representative present a final agenda of introduced legislation to the Board.

After the FASNY Board of Directors approves the final legislative agenda, the Legislative Committee and Legislative Representative lead the lobbying and advocacy activities.

The Legislative Committee continues the process by submitting a monthly legislative report to the FASNY Board of Directors. The Board may adjust the FASNY Scorecard from time to time based on changing events and circumstances during the legislative year.

FASNY Lobbying and Advocacy Activities

After the legislative agenda is established, the Legislative Committee and the Legislative Representative embark on an assertive lobbying and advocacy campaign aimed at getting FASNY Scorecard items passed by the New York State Legislature and signed by the Governor. FASNY’s lobbying and advocacy activities typically include:

  • Meetings and discussions with State legislators
  • Meetings and discussions with the Governor’s office
  • Meetings and discussions with regulatory agencies
  • Arranging and coordinating the FASNY Legislative Day at the Capital
  • Preparation of educational materials relating to FASNY’s issues
  • Preparation of memoranda in support of or opposition to legislative bills
  • Providing testimony at public hearings
  • Monitoring and analyzing legislative bills and budget initiatives
  • Coordinating regional legislative updates at county and Sectional meetings
  • Arranging and coordinating the annual Legislative Conference
  • Answering questions from FASNY members

FASNY’s legislative advocacy has resulted in a number of significant accomplishments.

See Our Accomplishments
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