What's happening
Writing a plain-English summary… Track this bill to get it by email.
Why it matters
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Sponsors
History
- Committed to rules
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- Amended 6546a
- 1st report cal.550
- Referred to transportation
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.
Requires that persons less than eighteen years of age wear a helmet when riding a horse
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Fred Thiele
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S6546A
Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law and the general business law, in relation to requiring that persons less than eighteen years of age wear a helmet when riding a horse
Purpose
Requires that persons less than eighteen years of age wear a helmet when riding a horse.
Summary of provisions
Section 1. Subdivision 1 of Section 1265 of the vehicle and traffic law is amended to increase from 14 to 18 the age in which a person must wear a helmet when riding a horse. Also amends subdivision 2 of Section 1265 of the vehicle and traffic law to increase the maximum amount of the civil fine from $50 to $250 for violating the provisions of this act. Increases from 14 to 18 the age in which a summons can be issued to a parent or guardian for violating the provisions of this act.
Section 2. Subdivision 2 of Section 396-dd of the general business law, as added by Chapter 455 of the Laws of 1999, is amended to increase from 14 to 18 the age in which a person must be provided with a helmet at no cost beyond the rental fee by horse providers when riding a horse. Also amends subdivision 4 of section 396-dd of the general business law to increase the maximum amount of the civil fine from $50 to $250.
Justification
Horseback riding is a popular recreational activity enjoyed by more than 30 million people in the United States. It has been estimated that 19 million people aged 16 years and older participating in riding activities. Horseback riding is the eighth leading case of emergency room treated, sports and recreation related injuries. Horseback riding has been identified as a higher-risk activity than automobile racing, motorcycle riding, football and skiing. Injuries occur while riding or handling horses without discrimination for age or experience level. Approximately 70,000 people are treated in emergency rooms annually because of equestrian-related injuries, while thousands more are treated in physicians' offices. Head injuries account for approximately 60% of deaths resulting from equestrian accidents.
Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce chances of sustaining serious injury. One of the most important pieces of safety equipment is a properly fitting helmet in order to absorb the impact to the head, provide cushioning to the skull and reduce jarring of the brain against the skull. The New England Journal of Medicine has reported that wearing helmets reduces head and brain injuries by 85%
and the Equestrian Medical Safety Association strongly recommends the wearing of a properly fitted ASTM/SEI certified equestrian helmet with the harness secured during equestrian activities.
While New York State was one of the first states to adopt a helmet law protecting children, the current law does not adequately protect all children. Currently, only children fourteen years of age and under are required to wear a helmet. Changing the age to eighteen years of age would further protect our children, prevent serious injuries and help save lives.
In 2009, the State of Florida passed "Nicole's Law" requiring children sixteen years of age and under to wear a helmet. "Nicole's Law' was named after Nicole Hornstein, the 12 year old daughter of a Southampton, New York native. Nicole died after suffering brain injuries after falling off a horse while not wearing a helmet. Other states like Delaware are introducing and have passes similar strengthened helmet laws.
Legislative history
New legislation.
Fiscal implications
None to the State.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.