Relates to the sale of motor fuels to disabled persons

Title of bill

An act to amend the general business law, in relation to the sale of motor fuels to disabled persons

Purpose or general idea of bill

To ensure that disabled persons are treated in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities act when purchasing gasoline.

Summary of specific provisions

Section one amends section 369-bb of the General Business Law by providing that the already existing law that requires a disabled person to receive assistance at the gas pumps when they have a valid New York state disabled persons license plate also applies to persons who have a valid parking permit for handicapped persons issued pursuant to section twelve hundred three-a of the vehicle and traffic law.

Section two provides the effective date.

Justification

There have been numerous complaints over the years about the interpretation of self-service restrictions at gas stations because the New York General Business law only mentions assisting a disabled person whose car has a valid New York disabled license plate. A station may refuse to provide pumping service to a disabled person who, instead, has a parking permit for handicapped persons. The Americans with Disabilities act states that gas stations must, if possible, provide refueling assistance upon request of an individual with a disability without any charge beyond the self-service price.

Prior legislative history

S.3952, 2007 and 2008 referred to consumer protection. Same as A.5954, 2008 and 2007 passed Assembly. A.11170A, 2006 passed assembly. Same as S.7404 2006 referred to consumer protection

Fiscal implication

None.

Effective date

Immediately.