Co-sponsored Stec Bill to Allow Fire Departments to be Reimbursed for Ambulance Services Passes Senate

A bill co-sponsored by Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) to allow fire departments to bill and be reimbursed for providing life-saving emergency ambulance services today passed the state Senate. Under current law, only police and emergency medical services are allowed to request reimbursement for using an ambulance. Senate bill S.7186-A would now allow departments the ability to recoup these costs directly.

“Our local fire departments frequently provide ambulance services throughout the year and should be reimbursed for providing these services,” Stec said. “This lack of reimbursement results in higher taxes and increased costs that prevent departments from fully focusing on the essential public service they provide.

“I’m glad the Senate recognized the need to allow fire departments to be reimbursed for providing ambulance services and passed this bill,” he added. “Police and EMS have long had the ability to do this, and allowing fire departments that same ability is essential. This is the second year that we’ve passed this bill; I’m hopeful the Assembly will also take it up this year and help give fire departments the relief they need.”