NY S00574

Amends General Municipal Law Section 72-c to authorize counties, cities, towns, and villages to appropriate and raise funds for firefighter training school expenses, mirroring existing authority for police training.

Extends reimbursement requirements to firefighters: when a firefighter trained at municipal expense transfers to another employer within three years of graduation, the new employer must reimburse the original employer on a pro rata basis.

Reimbursement covers firefighter training expenses including salary, tuition, enrollment fees, books, and transportation costs, calculated by subtracting days employed from the three-year period following graduation.

Exempts employers from reimbursement obligations if the firefighter's employment agreement already requires reimbursement by the individual, or if the employment change occurs after the firefighter's training certificate expires.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.