BILL NUMBER: S2719

SPONSOR: RITCHIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to classifying
emergency medical services provided by municipalities as essential
services for the purposes of applying for and receiving state aid

 
PURPOSE:

To classify emergency medical services as essential services for the
purposes of state aid

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends § 122-b of the General Municipal Law by adding a new
subdivision providing that emergency medical services provided for
pursuant to § 122-b(1) of the General Municipal Law shall be deemed
essential services for the purposes of applying for and receiving state
aid.

              

Section 2 provides the effective date.

 
EXISTING LAW:

Section 122-b of the General Municipal Law relates to general ambulance
services. Section 122b(1) provides, any county, city, town, or village
acting individually or jointly, may provide an emergency medical
service, a general ambulance service, or a combination of such services,
for the purpose of providing pre-hospital emergency medical treatment or
transporting sick or injured persons found within the boundaries of the
municipality for the municipalities acting jointly to a hospital, clin-
ic, sanatorium, or other place for treatment of such illness or injury.

This measure adds an additional subdivision (6) to Section 122-b and
deems emergency medical services provided pursuant to subdivision (1) of
Section 122-b essential services for the purposes of applying for and
receiving state aid.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Throughout our state, volunteer emergency medical services play a vital
role in keeping our communities safe.

In addition to working hard to safeguard the public, volunteers also
work hard to generate the funds necessary to purchase up to date equip-
ment, maintain buildings and vehicles, as well as to address any other
issues related to the efficient operation of their organizations.

By classifying emergency medical services as "essential services,"
organizations will be able to tap into an increased number of funding
sources and in turn, will be able to keep our communities safer.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2019-2020: S.1381/A.1582

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.