NY S04988

Prohibits employers from terminating employees solely because they are absent from or late to work while responding to emergencies as volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance service members.

Allows employers to charge authorized absences against an employee's accrued leave time and includes travel time to and from the volunteer emergency response.

Requires employees to provide a statement from the volunteer firefighter or ambulance service head confirming they responded to an emergency, upon employer request.

Mandates employers provide either at least three hours of authorized absence per twelve-month period or allow at least two authorized absences per calendar year without using accumulated leave time, if the employee lacks accrued time.

Authorizes the Commissioner to establish guidelines for documentation, leave validation, dismissal conditions, and reinstatement procedures.