Creates the Pennies for Parks program providing funds for capital expenditures at state parks and historic sites; imposes fee on single use carryout bags

1 Co-sponsor

• George D. Maziarz

BILL NUMBER:S1670

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to creating the "Pennies for Parks" program providing funds for capital expenditures at state parks and historic sites; to amend the tax law, in relation to imposing a fee on single use carryout bags; and to amend the state finance law, in relation to establishing the pennies for parks fund

Purpose

To create a five cent fee on all carry out single use bags to fund the Pennies for Parks program.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 is the legislative findings and intent. Section 2 states that the Commissioner is authorized to utilize funds raised by Pennies fort parks for capital expenditures at state parks and historic sites, but that 10% could be used for operational expenditures annually.

Section 3 creates a five cent fee for single use carryout bags, further defines what a single use carryout bag is. This section also states that on any sales slip given to a customer it shall state the number of single use carryout bags provided and the amount of the fee charged. This section also allows retailers to retain one cent of each fee for compensation for the program and maintain appropriate records. Also allows for the Commissioner to retain necessary and reasonable costs for running this program.

Section 4 creates the Pennies for parks fund in the joint custody of the Comptroller and Department of Taxation and Finance and expressly prohibits the transfer of this money to any other account unless authorized by the Commissioner of DEC. The section continues to clearly state this revenue is to be used for capital improvements, and that the Commissioner can retain up to 10% for operational expenditures annually.

Section 5 is the effective date.

Justification

With 178 State Parks and more numerous historic sites, New York has a wonderful system of recreation and education. However overtime with such a large number of sites where many are heavily used, capital improvements must be made to them. However. during times of economic uncertainty this is often not the case as money is often needed to ensure they all stay open to the public, and are staffed appropriately.

Pennies for Parks will allow for significant capital improvements for these sites from Montauk Point State Park to Niagara Falls State Park, and all those in between, Almost every New Yorker, and millions

of visitors will enjoy all that our parks and historic sites have to offer by maintain and improving upon them we will increase the number of visitors they have and return more money both to the State and all those businesses that provide ancillary support to the tourism and parks industry.

Further, by imposing a five cent fee on single use bags there is the added benefit of protecting our environment by taking these bags out of the waste stream and encouraging the use of reusable bags.

Prior legislative history

S. 6580 Referred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Recreation, and Sports Development

Fiscal implications

Positive to the State

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first day of a quarterly sales tax period.