Authorizes the free use of campsites, parks and public places of recreation by veterans

8 Co-sponsors

• Joseph Saladino
• Harvey Weisenberg
• Jane Corwin
• Vivian Cook
• Grace Meng
• Audrey Pheffer
• Matthew Titone
• Earlene Hooper

3 Multi-sponsors

• Greg Ball
• Marcus Molinaro
• Teresa Sayward

BILL NUMBER:A8584

Title of bill

An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic pres- ervation law, in relation to free use of campsites, parks and public places of recreation by veterans

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill will waive admission fees for.combat veterans to parks, campgrounds and other places of public recreation maintained by the State or by a municipality that received $100,000 or more in state aid or grants for acquisition, improvement or maintenance of such facilities in the previous year.

Summary of provisions

Bill . 1 adds a new subdivision 2 to § 13.19 of the Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Law to provide that any veteran who served in the armed forces of the United States during a time of war (as defined in Civil Service Law §185(1)(c)) shall be permitted to use any of the public campsites, parks and other public places of recreation in this state without the payment of any fees or other charges. The provisions of subdivision 2 also apply to campsites, parks and places of public recreation maintained by a municipality which has received state aid or grants in the amount of $100,000 or more in the previous year for acquisition, improvement or maintenance of camp- sites, parks and other public places of recreation. The provisions of subdivision 2 do not apply to disabled combat veterans who are already exempted from fee payment pursuant to the existing terms of § 13.19.

Effects of present law which this bill would alter

No current statutes provide for waivers from payment of park admission fees for non-disabled combat veterans.

Justification

This bill waives admission fees for combat veterans to state parks, campgrounds and other state-run places of public recre- ation. The law already waives these fees for veterans who have a service disability rating of 40% or higher. It is fitting for the State of New York to show its appreciation to all veterans who have put themselves in harm's way in order to protect our freedom.

The fee waiver would also apply to any parks, campsites and recreational facilities maintained by a municipality that has received substantial amounts of state funds for such facilities ($100,000 or more in state aid or grants for park acquisition, improvement or maintenance in the previous year). Other municipalities will remain able to provide for fee waivers for veterans at their option.

The Legislature recently enacted a law providing for parking fee waivers at State University campuses for combat veterans. This bill is another way for the people of New York to express gratitude for the service of our men and women in military uniform.

Prior legislative history

A11507 (2006) - referred to Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee A3466 (2007-08) - referred to Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

Minimal.

Effective date

The first day of January after becoming law - the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is immediately authorized and directed to take any and all actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, necessary to ensure that the provisions are fully effectuated on such date.