Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of felonies committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district.

New York Senate Bill S07316, introduced in April 2025, mandates that volunteer firefighters convicted of felonies committed against their own fire departments or related entities forfeit any benefits from service awards programs. Specifically, it amends the General Municipal Law to state that such individuals are ineligible for these benefits and must forfeit any rights to past or future benefits. ([legiscan.com](https://legiscan.com/NY/text/S07316/2025?utm_source=openai))

NY S07316 is a senate bill in the New York 2025-2026 General Assembly, sponsored by Michelle Hinchey (D), currently “Engrossed” since June 10, 2025.

We track 14,725 New York bills this session, 217 of them sponsored by Michelle Hinchey.

While specific media coverage on this bill is limited, the bipartisan sponsorship by Senators Michelle Hinchey (D) and Robert Rolison (R) suggests a collaborative effort to address misconduct within volunteer fire departments. The bill's passage through the Senate with unanimous support indicates a strong consensus on the importance of maintaining integrity within these organizations. ([legiscan.com](https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/S07316/2025?utm_source=openai))

There is no available media coverage indicating opposition to this bill. The unanimous support in the Senate suggests that concerns, if any, were addressed during the legislative process.