BILL NUMBER: S3539
SPONSOR: BORRELLO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to waiving the
registration fee and service charge for distinctive plates for certain
volunteer firefighters and certain members of volunteer ambulance
services
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill waives the registration fees for distinctive license plates
for active volunteer firemen and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 waives the registration fees for distinctive license plates
for active volunteer emergency medical technicians who participate in at
least 25% or more of the emergency calls for the previous year.
Section 2 waives the registration fees for distinctive license plates
for active volunteer firemen who participate in at least 25% or more of
the emergency calls for the previous year.
Section 3 provides that the act shall take effective immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Volunteer firemen and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are the back-
bone of emergency services throughout rural New York State, and provide
incredibly valuable volunteer services to their communities on a 24/7
basis. These volunteers undergo many hours of training in order to
provide this life-saving volunteer service. Unfortunately, it is
increasingly difficult to recruit and retain these volunteers.
In an effort to recruit and retain more volunteer firemen and EMTs, many
local governments offer a property tax reduction to active volunteer
firemen and EMTs. While this incentive is helpful for those who own
their own home, it does nothing to help younger volunteers who might not
own their own home.
This legislation would provide a tangible benefit to active volunteers
who own or lease their own vehicle by allowing them to register a vehi-
cle with distinctive license plates without paying the typical registra-
tion fee. In addition to providing a modest financial benefit, the
increase in the number of distinctive license plates will enhance
recruitment and retention efforts by increasing awareness of these
volunteers and providing them with well-deserved recognition.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023: S7658/A9803 Referred to Rules
2024: S7658/A9803 Referred to Transportation
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
The legislation would take effective immediately upon adoption.

Statutes affected:
S3539: 404-b vehicle and traffic law, 404-b(3) vehicle and traffic law, 404-f vehicle and traffic law, 404-f(3) vehicle and traffic law