BILL NUMBER: S6520

SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the not-for-profit corporation law, in relation to
expanding the purposes of certain firemen's benevolent associations

 
PURPOSE:

Expands the purposes of certain firemen's benevolent associations

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends the not-for-profit law to allow incorporated firemen's
benevolent associations created by legislative action to expand the
purposes of the application outlined in their charters to include any of
the following:

1. To promote friendly association for the betterment of the members of
the benevolent association.

              

2. To promote relations between the members of the benevolent associ-
ation and the local community.

3. To provide relief, aid, and assistance to those members and their
families who are injured, disabled, or indigent.

4. To provide for the health and safety of the members of the benevolent
association.

5. To maintain suitable headquarters for the members of the benevolent
association.

6. To acquire real and personal property such as may be necessary for
the purposes outlined in this section.

7. To study and disseminate among the members of the benevolent associ-
ation the most efficient manner of fighting fires.

8. To promote the volunteer fire service within the territory now served
or which may hereafter be served by the fire department associated with
the benevolent association.

Section 2 states the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Firefighters' benevolent associations exist to provide members of volun-
teer fire departments with certain benefits. As volunteer firefighters
do not receive payment, these associations are essential to ensure the
men and women who put their lives and health on the line to provide
emergency protection and management to their communities, can receive
benefits such as insurance, disability services, and more.

The services a benevolent association may provide are outlined in its
charter, and any services not mentioned in the charter may not be
provided. Many of these charters are decades old, and the purpose of the
association outlined in these may not reflect the needs of members
today. Countless volunteer fire departments across New York State have
struggled to maintain a capable and enthusiastic workforce due to many
benevolent associations' inability to provide group dental and vision
insurance, relief for indigent members and their families, and more.

The process of amending a charter is long and arduous, as all changes
must be approved by the State Legislature. This wastes valuable time and
resources for both benevolent associations and the legislature.  This
legislation would allow firefighters' benevolent associations to expand
their charters to be able to provide comprehensive support for members
and their families without the need for special legislation.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a new bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATION:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.