Provides that candidates who have provided firefighting service may deduct up to a maximum of six years from their age for purposes of meeting the age requirements.

New York Assembly Bill A00130, introduced in January 2025, proposes allowing individuals with volunteer firefighting experience to subtract up to six years from their actual age when applying for police officer positions. This adjustment aims to help these candidates meet the maximum age requirements for such roles. The bill specifies that the deducted time cannot exceed six years and applies to both provisional and permanent appointments. As of January 2026, the bill was referred to the Assembly Governmental Employees Committee and has not progressed further.

Supporters of the bill argue that it recognizes and rewards the valuable experience and dedication of volunteer firefighters by facilitating their transition into law enforcement careers. They believe that the skills and commitment demonstrated in firefighting service are transferable and beneficial to police work. Additionally, proponents suggest that this measure could help address recruitment challenges in police departments by expanding the pool of eligible candidates.

Critics express concerns that adjusting age requirements could undermine established hiring standards and potentially lead to legal challenges. They argue that age limits are set to ensure candidates possess the necessary physical capabilities for demanding police duties. Opponents also worry that this change might create disparities among applicants and question whether firefighting experience directly correlates with the skills required for law enforcement roles.