Relates to providing free use of state parks for certified first responders who participated in the rescue effort at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A3142
SPONSOR: Reilly TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in
relation to providing free use of state parks for certified first
responders who participated in the rescue effort conducted in response
to the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To allow Ground Zero First Responders the opportunity to enjoy free
parking at state parks.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 13.22 of parks, recreation, and historic pres-
ervation law to allow the commissioner to establish a program where
those individuals who served as a Ground Zero First Responders be issued
an annual pass at no cost to use in New York State Parks.Section 2
provides the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Currently, the Office of Parks and Historic Preservation through the
Golden Park program gives senior citizens 62 years of age or older free
parking at state parks. The Access Pass Program offers free vehicle
access to state parks to people with a permanent disability, The Patriot
Plan Benefit offers military service members who were called to active
duty in response to the 9/11 emergency a free Empire Passport which
provides for free vehicle access/parking at state parks. This bill would
extend the same courtesies of free vehicle access/parking to those first
responders who travelled to New York City and Washington D.C. in the
days following September 11, 2001 to aid in the search, rescue, and
recovery efforts. Many responders have suffered from both physical and
mental disabilities following the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Providing access to State parks will assist in their physical and mental
recovery.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
01/05/22 referred to tourism, parks, arts and sports development
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.
