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History
- Referred 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.
Directs the commissioners of health and environmental conservation to study and develop a long term strategy to encourage outdoor environmental education and recreation
In Senate Committee · Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks And Recreation · Sponsor Aileen Gunther
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S3921
Title of bill
An act to authorize and direct the commissioners of health and environmental conservation to study and develop a long-term strategy to encourage and promote outdoor environmental education and recreational opportunities in New York state
Purpose
To promote and encourage outdoor environmental education and recreational opportunities in New York State.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 provides the Legislative findings.
Section 2 authorizes and directs the commissioners of health and environmental conservation to study and develop a long term strategy for integrating an aggressive outdoor environmental education and recreation plan for children that focuses on creating, developing and retaining opportunities for outdoor play and learning in New York State.
Justification
The average American boy or girl spends just four to seven minutes each day in unstructured outdoor play, and more than seven hours each day in front of an electronic screen.
Visual and physical access to basic types of open space is vital for everyone, and particularly valuable to children growing up in "urban hardscapes" or areas where access to nature is limited.
Outdoor play has been shown to increase fitness levels, raise levels of Vitamin D, improve distance vision and lower nearsightedness, decrease symptoms of ADHD, improve test scores and increase academic performance.
The development of policies that foster stewardship of the environment, an appreciation of the importance of the wise use of natural resources and recognition of the health benefits of time spent in nature are essential to the residents of New York State.
Legislative history
S5207 of 2011/2012
Fiscal implications
None to State.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.