A new bill proposal would exempt volunteer first responders from New York state taxes.

Officials announced the legislation that would give a full state income tax exemption to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers.

Volunteers would have to be with their department for at least a year. They would also have to be in good standing, and be certified in their county. Additionally, they would also have to attend at least half of the department’s activities. 

Yonkers resident Stanley Paul thinks the idea is a good one.

“It's a pretty dangerous job.  If they put in extra hours volunteering, I don't see why not,” he says.

Marlene Vargas, of Yonkers, says there are many ways to volunteer and give back to your community, and it doesn't warrant getting a tax break.

“I volunteer with veterans every chance I get…I don't get any breaks. So it's kind of difficult,” she says.

Many people, like Yonkers resident Ivan Santiago, simply want more to learn more about the proposed legislation.

There is no word on when the legislation will be voted on. If passed, it would become effective in January 2020.