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S5049Senate2013-2014 Session

Enacts "Erin's Law"; requires crosswalks near athletic fields and playgrounds

Sponsor Michael H. RanzenhoferSD-61Affects Local Government
Status
In Senate Committee
Local Government
Impact
Pending
Passage
Pending

Bill progress

Step 2 of 7

In committee · Local Government

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Who cares

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Sponsors

Primary sponsor
Michael H. Ranzenhofer

Senator · Senate District 61

Chair, Corporations, Authorities And Commissions

No co-sponsors yet.

History

  1. Print number 5049a
  2. Amend and recommit to local government
  3. Referred to local government
  4. Referred to local government

Full text

The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.

Sponsor's memo

BILL NUMBER:S5049A

Title of bill

An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to crosswalks near athletic fields and playgrounds

Purpose or general idea of bill

To require pedestrian crosswalks along athletic fields and playgrounds to permit safe access and passage across abutting streets to pedestrians visiting these facilities.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 - provides that this act shall be known as "Erin's Law".

Section 2 - amends General Municipal Law by adding a new section 137, which provides that crosswalks will be required near athletic fields and playgrounds for all roads, other than restricted access highways, at least every quarter mile to allow safe passage across the street for pedestrians visiting these playgrounds and athletic fields.

Section 3 - provides that this act shall take effect two years after it shall have become law.

Justification

On June 9, 2012, Erin Sulkowski, aged 13, was struck by a car while crossing Maple Road in the Town of Amherst returning home from a neigh- borhood playground. Eleven days later she passed away from her injuries. There were no pedestrian crosswalks available within any reasonable walking distance which would have afforded her, or her friend who was also struck by the vehicle, or the many other children and adults who visit this playground, a safe way to walk from their homes to the play- ground. This is not an unusual situation, and many athletic fields and playgrounds across our state do not have a safe means for pedestrians to cross abutting streets to access these facilities. Encouraging walkable communities, family exercise and use of local playgrounds and athletic fields are important health and social goals, and it is critical that safer access to these amenities be provided to access these facilities. While pedestrians must still exercise care when using a pedestrian crosswalk, these crosswalks, and accompanying warning signs will provide a greater measure of safety.

Prior legislative history

2013 - S.5049 - LOCAL GOV'T

Fiscal implications

None to state.

Effective date

This act shall take effect two years after it shall have become law.

Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.