NY S00996

Authorizes town boards in towns without fire districts to establish and operate town fire departments, notwithstanding Article 11 of town law or other conflicting provisions.

Grants town boards authority to purchase equipment, uniforms, construct buildings and water systems, adopt rules for member discipline, and employ part-time firefighters with specified benefits under state law.

Permits towns to organize volunteer fire companies with membership requirements including town residency (with limited non-resident exceptions capped at 45% of membership) and prohibits membership for persons convicted of arson.

Establishes procedures for annual election of company officers (captains, lieutenants, wardens, delegates) and requires town board appointment of fire chiefs and assistant chiefs from department members.

Prohibits discrimination in volunteer fire department membership based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, or marital status, with complaints filed to the State Division of Human Rights.