Relates to the collection and use of foreign fire insurance premium taxes

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Mario Mattera says this is needed

By changing the term "Firemen's" to "Firefighter's" in the name of the corporation it forwards the corporations desire be gender neutral and more inclusive. It is also in keeping with New York State's gender neutrality laws, rules and guidelines. The Centerport Volunteer Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Association, Inc. receives Foreign Fire Insurance Premium Tax monies from the New York State Insurance Department. Currently, they are authorized to use such funds for the care and relief of disabled or indigent volunteer and exempt firefighters and their families by unanimous vote of the board of trustees. This legislation would authorize the Association to use the funds in the furtherance of all their statutory purposes, which also includes the maintenance of a suitable headquarters for the members of such corporation, the promotion of fraternal intercourse among the members of such corporation and the promotion of the welfare of the volunteer fire service within the area protected by the Centerport fire district in addition to the relief, aid and assistance of such members and their families who are disabled or indigent. This act would amend the chapter of law governing the operation of the Centerport Volunteer Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Association, Inc., in a manner like that which has been done for other volunteer firefighters' benevolent associ- ations so that it may more effectively attend to the well-being of the association, its members and their families.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.