ARSON HISTORY CHECKS – Chapter 423. The Executive Law was amended to add a new section 837-o, which requires fire chiefs to obtain an arson history background check of any applicant for membership in a volunteer fire company effective April 1, 2000. The check is to be conducted by the Division of Criminal Justice Services at no cost to the applicant or the fire company. If history of an arson conviction is found, the applicant is barred from membership. The Town Law, Village Law, and Not-for-profit Corporation Law were also amended to require the arson history checks.