Directs the division of homeland security to develop rules and regulations relating to truck rental security

BILL NUMBER:S3505

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law and the general busi- ness law, in relation to directing the division of homeland security and emergency services to develop rules and regulations relating to truck rental security

Purpose

This bill seeks to strengthen the security procedures for the consumer truck rental industry in an effort to protect against future acts of terrorism.

Summary of provisions

Section One - Amends the executive law by adding to the powers and duties of the New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services a new section directing the office of homeland security to work in conjunction with the department of transportation to promulgate rules and regulations to ensure that:

* Truck rental companies register with the state and maintain accurate records for at least two years.

* A valid drivers license and at least one other form of identification is needed to rent vehicles, and that rental companies make reasonable assurances to verify the identity of person renting vehicles.

* A mechanism be in place so that those renting trucks can be checked against state or federal criminal databases for the purposes of screen- ing for possible terrorists. The Division of Homeland Security & Emer- gency Services develop and promote best practices for the truck rental industry and work to educate those in the industry on how to detect and report suspicious activity.

Section Two - Amends section 396-z of the general business law by adding a new paragraph (k) to define a truck rental company. A subdivision 13-b is added requiring truck rental companies to provide notice to individ- uals entering into rental agreements that their name and information may be checked against state or federal criminal databases for the purposes of screening for possible terrorists.

Justification

Terrorist operatives worldwide have relied on vehicle- borne improvised explosive devices as a method of attack. This tactic has resulted in the loss of many Americans, notably in the 1993 World Trade Center and 1995 Oklahoma City bombings. The World Trade Center and Oklahoma City attacks were carried out with rented vehicles, highlight- ing the need for awareness among rental agencies. Despite this fact, security standards still vary greatly within the truck rental industry. This measure will provide for minimum security standards within the industry and shore up a vulnerability that still exists despite repeated attacks.

Legislative history

2006-07: S.4495B Passed Senate 2007-08: A.1861 Referred to Governmental Operations 2009-10: A.3615 Referred to Govern- mental Operations

Fiscal implications

None. The Division of Homeland Security & Emergen- cy Services could develop the rules and regulations using existing resources.

Effective date

This act shall be effective ninety days after it becomes law.