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History
- Referred to cultural affairs, tourism, parks and recreation
- Print number 4219a
- Amend and recommit to cultural affairs, tourism, parks and recreation
- Referred to cultural affairs, tourism, parks and recreation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Creates the Hudson River pilots surcharge board
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Ronald Canestrari
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the navigation law, in relation to the creation of a Hudson River pilots surcharge board
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill will provide for a pilotage fee surcharge, the proceeds of which will be dedicated to paying the pensions of retired Hudson River pilots and their widows. The surcharge will be phased in over a period of three years and will be adjusted quarterly by a newly created Hudson River pilots surcharge board.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1 amends paragraph (b) of subdivision 4 of section 89-a of the navigation law to create the Hudson River pilots surcharge board which shall determine eligibility for retiree benefits as well as adjust the pilotage fee surcharge created under this law. Section 2 adds seven new subdivisions to section 89-a of the navigation law to outline the retirement benefits allowed under this new law which are based upon the age and number of years served. Section 3 is the effective date.
Justification
The Hudson River Pilots Association is currently recruiting and training individuals to replace retiring pilots. The Hudson River needs the most qualified and committed applicants in order to continue the long established tradition of service by Hudson River pilots to the maritime industry. Ship owners must be confident that if they use the Hudson River route their cargos will reach their destination safely.
Hudson River pilots provide year-round service through winter ice conditions, spring floods, summer drought and autumn fog. There must be a sufficient number of pilots to meet the peak demand of vessel movements. Any delay caused by an insufficient number of pilots can cost the ship owner $15,000 to $20,000 per day. Hudson River pilots also work closely with steamship companies, terminal operators, the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, advising them in matters of vessel safety, port security, channel improvements and aids to navigation.
A comparison with pilot compensation nationwide places Hudson River pilots in the lowest quartile. The competitiveness of the Hudson River trade will be put at risk without the ability to attract and retain qualified pilots. A pilotage fee surcharge dedicated to paying pension benefits will be a critical recruitment tool. The Sandy Hook pilots have had a similar program in place since 1995
Prior legislative history
New bill.
Fiscal implications
None to the State.
Effective date
Ninety days after it shall become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.