Albany, New York – Senator Shelley B. Mayer and Assemblyman Steve Otis announce their legislation, S.7501A/A.8076A, to direct counties, together with local cities, towns, villages, and other EMS providers to develop plans to provide coordinated emergency medical services within their counties, has been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The bill clarifies that the objective of the process is to “ensure that reliable emergency medical services and ambulance services are made available to every person in the state.” 

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a vital resource and necessary to the health and well-being of communities across New York. However, the state is facing multiple crises – EMT staff shortage and retention problems, gaps in coverage and response times, inadequate funding streams to support EMS services, and the need for better coordination among services within a region.

Under this new law, counties, cities, towns, and villages will work together through a local review and planning process to assess the existing level of emergency medical service, identify gaps, and develop plans to increase service where additional service is needed – ensuring every New Yorker has access to reliable EMS coverage. This comprehensive, county-by-county assessment will provide a strategic roadmap for statewide improvements in emergency medical services going forward. The NYS Department of Health, along with the State Emergency Medical Services Council (SEMSCO) and Regional Emergency Medical Services Council (REMSCO), will participate in the planning process.

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am grateful to Governor Hochul for signing legislation that will help keep New Yorkers safe and protected. This new law is a critical first step in making EMS as essential as police and fire in every locality, something which is long overdue. For several years, Assemblyman Otis and I have been fighting, along with our colleagues, to begin to address the multiple crises of EMS across New. York State. This new law, which passed the Senate unanimously, will begin to ensure that New York State treats EMS as the vital resource it is. Thank you to my colleague, Assemblyman Otis, for fighting for this legislation in the Assembly and to the EMS providers, organizations, and advocates for their efforts to find a path forward.” 

Assemblyman Steve Otis said, “The goal of our legislation is to advance the EMS reform process by asking local governments to work together to evaluate the status of EMS service in their areas and develop county plans to make sure every New Yorker has reliable emergency medical response. We believe that EMS planning statewide must respect the variation and flexibility that has been the hallmark of emergency response in New York. Counties, cities, towns, and villages will work together to draft plans that include the variety of public and private provider structures based on what local officials believe will be the most successful in their region. Our great appreciation goes to Governor Kathy Hochul, the NYS Department of Health, our municipal government, emergency service, and fire district organizations for working with Senator Mayer and me to move this important next step forward.”

Senator Mayer and Assemblyman Otis worked closely with Rye Brook Village Administrator Chris Bradbury, Westchester County Officials Deputy County Executive Richard Wishnie and Director of Emergency Services Susan Spear, and other Westchester local officials. They also consulted with the New York Association of Counties (NYSAC), New York Conferences of Mayors (NYCOM), the New York Association of Towns (NYAOT), as well as representatives of Fire Districts, Fire Departments, and private EMT services on this issue. Their hope is that the plans will provide a guide for reforms to strengthen and improve emergency medical services throughout New York State.

County plans will be submitted to the NYS Department of Health for comment six months after the legislation takes effect. This legislation was signed by Governor Hochul as Chapter 703 of the Laws of 2025 and will be amended by a chapter amendment in the new year to reflect agreement reached between the Governor and the Legislature that was negotiated to refine the planning process included in the legislation.