"Issues of United Concern" 2014 Agenda Announced by New York's Fire Service Organizations

The "Issues of United Concern" legislative agenda is presented by the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York, County Fire Coordinators’ Association of the State of New York, Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, New York State Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association, and the Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of New York.

2014 "Issues of United Concern"

Illegal Occupancy in Multi-Family Dwellings – Impose civil penalties against landlords who illegally alter their buildings in a manner that would inhibit egress during a fire or other emergency.

Upholstered Furniture Fire Safety Standards – Enhance fire safety standards for upholstered furniture by establishing flammability standards that preclude or control the use of fire retardant chemicals.

Consolidation Amendments – Seek chapter amendments to the 2010 New York Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act, Article 17-a of the General Municipal Law, better known as the "Consolidation Dissolution Act," to allow public stakeholder planning to occur prior to dissolving a fire district or any other local government entity.

Felony Sex Offenders – Amend applicable statutes to allow for a criminal background check on applicants or members of a volunteer fire department or EMS unit, and to provide for refusal of membership or expulsion of persons convicted of certain sex or felony offenses.

Elimination of Exemption from Seat Belt Law – Seek legislation to require operators and passengers of certain authorized volunteer fire and EMS emergency vehicles to be restrained by safety belts by eliminating the existing exemption for such vehicles engaged in emergency response.

EMS Billing – Amend Section 209-b of the General Municipal Law to allow volunteer fire organizations to bill for service. Currently, New York state is the only state in the country to prohibit volunteer fire departments and companies from receiving reimbursement for this valuable service. This archaic rule forces taxpayers to completely fund all EMS in these service areas.

Items to be Addressed in the 2014-2015 State Budget

LOSAP – Provides that payments from a Service Award Program to volunteer firefighters who are 59 1/2 years or older be exempt from New York State Income Tax. This bill would give our members LOSAP benefits at the same tax-exempt status of current federal, state, and municipal pensions.

VFBL/VAWBL Reform – Increases VFBL/VAWBL benefit levels for permanent and temporary total disability from $400 to $650 per week.

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