2011 Issues of United Concern

The following is the "2011 Issues of United Concern" 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 EMS Coordinators Association, New York State Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association, New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association, and Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of New York.

Fallen Firefighter Memorial Recognition Bill:
To amend VFBL law to provide that in the case of a line of duty death where a benefit is paid, to a covered volunteer, that the name of that volunteer firefighter shall be inscribed upon the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the Capitol Mall in Albany.

Blue Light on Ambulance and EMS Vehicles:
Amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law to allow ambulance and EMS vehicles to use the blue light for rear projection only and to include ambulance vehicles in the definition of a highway emergency incident safety zone.

Bail Out Rope Repeal:
To support legislation that clarifies the requirements of existing law and regulation regarding above ground evacuation equipment and procedures.

Consolidation Amendments:
To seek amendments to recently enacted legislation creating new consolidation procedures applicable to local governments, specifically requiring fire districts to provide more information to the electors involved.

Elimination of Exemption from Seat Belt Law:
To seek legislation to require operators and passengers of certain authorized fire and EMS emergency vehicles to be restrained by safety belts by eliminating the existing exemption for such vehicles.

Felony 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 felony offenses.

Health Insurance for Volunteers:
To enact legislation that requires health insurers to cover volunteers, when the municipality allows the volunteer to participate, at the volunteer’s own expense, in that municipality’s own health plan and to provide for access for volunteers to the Healthy New York program.