2022 Legislative Agenda
2022 FASNY Legislative Agenda
The Firefighters Association of the State of New York’s grassroots legislative program is a time-honored process. FASNY members have gathered for more than 87 years, region by region, to determine their proactive legislative program. The legislative proposals you see in summary form came from every area of the State and have been approved by voice vote of FASNY’s membership to be brought to the Legislature for consideration. As the bills are introduced, they are entered on FASNY’s Legislative Agenda (Scorecard), which is circulated weekly, so the membership may mark their progress and write to the sponsors in support. Sponsors of the bills are recognized in all communications from FASNY to its members.
THE FAIR PLAY AMBULANCE COST RECOVERY FOR FIRE DEPARTMENTS – Allows fire departments to bill for ambulance services to even the playing field with all other ambulance providers across the state.
Corresponding legislation: S.7186 (Brooks) / A.534-A (Jones)
Introduced in 2011, concept in existence since late 1970s. Currently an Issue of United Concern. In 2019, 2020 and 2021 this bill passed the Senate. In the Assembly, it moved from the Local Governments Committee in the Assembly and advanced to Ways & Means for the first time in its history.
AMEND PENAL CODE TO ADD ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF FIRE AND EMERGENCY PERSONNEL – Make it a crime to illegally circumvent uniform code by making illegal conversions a charge of “Endangering the welfare of fire and emergency personnel.” Landlords make conversions so they can make more money off their properties without obtaining proper permits. The conversions may not have proper egress and could create an extremely dangerous situation for firefighters.
Corresponding legislation: S.3741 (Gaughran) / A.6087 (Zebrowski)
Introduced in 2014. Currently an Issue of United Concern. Failed to advance out of the Codes Committee in both houses in the past 5 years.
CANCER COVERAGE COST RELIEF – Explore feasibility and options to provide financial relief/assistance for Authorities Having Jurisdiction in purchasing cancer insurance coverage.
Corresponding legislation: No corresponding legislation
RECOVERY OF 54-G FUNDING TO SUPPORT CODE ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS – Ensure state funds collected through dedicated fees on each fire policy written in the state go to support local code enforcement activities and not swept into State General Fund.
Corresponding legislation: S.6970 (Kavanagh)
New legislation.
Budget Issues
The following issues will be pursued during the budget process, but will not appear on the FASNY Scorecard.
Monitoring: FY 2023 Budget negotiations to:
- Ensure adequate/consistent funding levels are met for 911 coordination purposes
- Increase the volunteer income tax credit to $500 (presently at $200)
- Emergency Services Low Interest Revolving Loan Fund
- Training Funding under the OFPC to include books