NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
 
BILL NUMBER: A1414A REVISED 05/14/2021
SPONSOR: Lupardo
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the civil service law, in relation to paid leave for
members of the civil air patrol
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Relates to paid leave for Public employee members of the civil air
patrol.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The civil service law is amended by adding a new section 82-c
Civil Service law.
Section 2: Effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The Civil Air Patrol has a long history of volunteers donating their
time for the protection of our communities and civilians in time of
emergency. In the early years, their mission was focused on the defense
of our homeland against possible surprise attack by a foreign enemy.
Their mission has evolved into lifesaving operations in times of natural
disaster or more specifically in the case of downed and missing
aircraft. The Civil Air Patrol provides valuable assistance to law
enforcement and emergency personnel in search and rescue missions. The
disappearance of Stephen Fawcett, noted balloonist and aviator, when his
aircraft failed to return to his home airport spawned a massive search
and rescue mission. The Civil Air Patrol was a major part of that
effort. Volunteers logged thousands of hours in cooperation with local
law enforcement searching for Fawcett. The aircraft used in the mission
was predominantly owned and maintained by the Civil Air Patrol.
The Civil Air Patrol volunteers spend many hours in training for search
and rescue missions as well as introducing young people to the rewards
of volunteering, training in search and rescue strategy and learning
about aircraft operation including Multi training. Youth volunteers are
trained in military discipline in preparation fora potential military
career in the United States Air force. Youth participation in the Civil
Air Patrol is recognized by our military as an excellent training base
before enlistment. Adult volunteers spend many hours to keep themselves
current in rescue techniques, flying skills, and youth development
programs. Their skills are just as important as other local emergency
response teams as they often are working side by side. This legislation
will allow Public Employee members of the Civil air patrol to be compen-
sated at their regular rate of pay while participating in emergency
services missions during a declared state of emergency.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Formerly A-5364 of 2020, died in Governmental Employees Committee.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The fiscal implications are to be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.