Directs the commissioner of motor vehicles to pay a $5 refund to certain ATV registrants who paid the ATV trail fee

Title of bill

An act to amend chapter 59 of the laws of 2006, amending the vehicle and traffic law relating to all terrain vehicle (ATV) registration fees, in relation to directing the department of motor vehicles to refund the difference between the additional fee and the annual individual registration fee paid by certain registrants of all terrain vehicles

Purpose

To provide a one-time five dollar refund for the trail fee paid by certain registrants of ATVs.

Summary of provisions

Section one - amends section 4 of part G of chapter 59 of the laws of 2006 to direct the commissioner of motor vehicles to refund the difference between the trail fee and the registration fee.

Section two - contains the effective date.

Existing law

Section 2291 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law was amended in 2006 to repeal the ATV trail fee and provide a one-year registration.

Justification

In 2006, the Legislature repealed the $15 ATV trail fee in response to the lack of development of a statewide trail system. In addition to repealing the fee, a one-year registration at no cost to those individuals who had paid the trail fee the previous year was provided. However, there was a $5 difference between the trail fee and the registration fee which the State of New York retained. During negotiations, the Senate proposed providing such a refund, but it was ultimately rejected by the Executive.

It is it unconscionable for the State of New York to keep this five dollars per registration of taxpayer dollars and not return this money to the taxpayers.

Legislative history

2008: S.6890 Transportation

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately and shall be deemed to have been in full force and effect on and after June 10, 2006.