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Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 45
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Opinion referred to judiciary
- To attorney-general for opinion
- Referred to judiciary
- To attorney-general for opinion
- Referred to judiciary
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.
Authorizes state residents to gather fallen timber from the floor of the state forest preserve when such timber is within 50 feet of a public highway
In Assembly Committee · Judiciary · Sponsor Dan Stec
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S995
Title of bill
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment to section 1 of article 14 of the constitution, in relation to the gathering of fallen timber from the lands of the state forest preserve
Purpose
To permit the taking of fallen timber from the forest preserve lands along the side of public highways.
Summary of provisions
Section 1- Amends section 1 of article 14 of the constitution to allow residents of the state to gather fallen timber lying on the forest floor on state-owned lands when such timber is within fifty feet of the center line of a public highway, except lands the commissioner of environmental conservation may designate by rule and regulation where such gathering shall be prohibited. Every person gathering fallen timber pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision shall do so at his or her own risk without disturbing the surrounding vegetation.
Existing law
The State Constitution prohibits the selling, removal or destruction of timber on forest preserve lands.
Justification
The prohibition on the removal of fallen timber in the forest preserve has been an issue of concern with some residents of the Adirondack Park for many years. During the Ice Storm of 1998, thousands of downed trees were left to rot while residents without power searched for ways to heat their homes by other means such as a wood stove. Many people wanted to use the woods they say laying by the roadside, but were prohibited from doing so.
In light of the rising home heating costs it is even more important to change constitution to allow for the gathering of fallen timber from the forest preserve.
Legislative history
2011-2012: S. 506-A Judiciary; A. 153-A Environmental Conservation 2009-10: S. 272 Judiciary; A. 445 Environmental Conservation 2007-08: S. 1123 3rd Reading; A. 10608 Environmental Conservation 2006: S. 6389 3rd Reading; A. 10601 Judiciary
Fiscal implications
None
EFFECTIVE DATE;us off;: Resolved if the Assembly concur, that the forgoing be referred to the first regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding general election of members of the Assembly, and, in conformity with section 1 of article 19 of the constitution be published for 3 months previous to the time of such election.
***END DOCUMENT***
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.