New York Senate Bill S08376

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/6/25
• Refer: 6/6/25

Caption

Provides that where any condition of impairment of health caused by Parkinson's disease, resulting in total or partial disability or death to a volunteer firefighter, where such volunteer firefighter successfully passed a physical examination on entry into such service or subsequent thereto, which examination failed to reveal any evidence of such condition, shall be presumptive evidence that such disability or death was caused by the natural and proximate result of an accident, not caused by such firefighter's own negligence; and was incurred in the performance and discharge of duty, unless the contrary be proven by competent evidence.

Impact

The proposed law would significantly alter the landscape of benefits available to volunteer firefighters in New York. By acknowledging Parkinson's disease as a work-related condition under the volunteers' benefit law, the bill could facilitate access to disability benefits and support for firefighters suffering from this serious health condition. This change is particularly impactful considering the physical and mental strains that firefighting demands can impose on an individual, potentially increasing the state's responsibility to support these workers.

Summary

Bill S08376 introduces amendments to the volunteer firefighters' benefit law specifically relating to Parkinson's disease. It establishes a legal presumption that any health impairments caused by Parkinson's that result in disability or death for volunteer firefighters are deemed to be caused by their service rather than personal negligence, provided these individuals passed physical examinations at the start of their service. This presumption aims to ensure that volunteer firefighters affected by Parkinson's disease receive appropriate recognition and benefits under state law.

Contention

While the bill is poised to provide critical support for volunteer firefighters facing health challenges, it may face scrutiny from different stakeholders. Potential concerns could arise regarding the implications for state benefits budgets and the criteria for establishing causation and entitlement to benefits. Opponents might argue about the increased burden this presumption places on the state in terms of financial responsibility and the validation process that these claims would necessitate.