Authorizes persons under the age of eighteen to participate in certain organized racing and competitive events involving snowmobiles

7 Co-sponsors

• John A. DeFrancisco
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Kathleen A. Marchione
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• Patty Ritchie
• Diane J. Savino
• James L. Seward

Title of bill

An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in relation to authorizing persons under the age of eighteen to participate in certain organized racing or competitive events involving snowmobiles

Purpose

This act would exempt organized racing or competitive snowmobile events upon a closed course or in a hill climb or drag race that is not conducted on a public trail system from the age restrictions of § 25.19 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law.

Summary of provisions

Section 1: This bill would amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (PRHP) Law by adding a new subparagraph (d) to paragraph 1 of section 25.19 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law.

Section 2: This act shall take effect immediately.

Justification

Racing and competitive snowmobile events conducted in New York require a special events permit issued by the Commissioner of the Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation. Many of these events involve participation by those less than 18 years of age. Section 25.19 of the Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation Law limits the operation of snowmobiles by persons under the age of 18 and prohibits operation by those under 14 years of age without a snowmobile safety certificate.

This bill will bring New York's Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation law up to date with current practices for competitive events where many youth less than 14 years of age professionally compete in snocross and similar events. Current law has acted as an impediment for national organizations to hold such events in New York. It is expected that the Office of Parks would continue to impose reasonable conditions on permits such as consistency with the two international organizations that create the rules and guidelines for these competitive events and require the permission of parents or legal guardians. It is not uncommon for special event permits to carry a host of conditions that the competition organizer must follow. All these events are privately insured. A snocross event can generate in excess of $150,000 for the area that hosts the event.

Legislative history

2015 S.1850-A Passed the Senate; A1452-A Referred to Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development 2013-14: S. 1364 Referred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation; A. 175 Referred to Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development 2011-12: S.554 Passed Senate; S. 5487 Tourism, Arts and Sports Development 2010: S.7430 Finance; A. 10015 Tourism, Arts and Sports Development

Fiscal implications

None to the State. Provides economic opportunities for the communities where events are held.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.