What's happening
This bill allows former prisoners of war and Purple Heart recipients free use of New York state campsites, parks, and recreation areas.
Why it matters
Expands access to state recreation benefits. By adding former prisoners of war and Purple Heart recipients, the bill recognizes additional groups for free entry, extending an existing benefit previously limited to certain disabled individuals and veterans with specialized federal assistance.
Acknowledges sacrifice and service. This amendment symbolically honors individuals who have suffered serious wounds or captivity during military service, providing a tangible expression of gratitude for their contributions.
Could increase park usage and community engagement. Making parks and campsites more accessible to these veterans may encourage greater participation in outdoor and community activities, potentially improving well-being and social connection among these groups.
Minimal fiscal impact, but meaningful individual benefit. While the potential loss in state park revenue from waived fees is likely small, the gesture can significantly reduce barriers for honorees and their families, making it easier for them to enjoy New York’s public lands.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Free Campsites for Veterans
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to veterans, homeland security and military affairs
- Referred to veterans, homeland security and military affairs
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
172
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE (Prefiled)
January 4, 2017
Introduced by Sen. KAMINSKY -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs
AN ACT to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in relation to the free use of campsites by former prisoners of war
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 13.19 of the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, as amended by chapter 649 of the laws of 1977, is amended to read as follows:
§ 13.19 Free use of campsites. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, any person who is blind, non-ambulatory, or an amputee, or any former prisoner of war, a recipient of the purple heart, or any veteran of the wars of the United States, such veteran who has at any time been awarded by the federal government an allowance towards the purchase of an automobile or is eligible for such an award shall be permitted to use any of the public campsites, parks and other public places of recreation in this state, upon the same terms and conditions as apply to the general public, but without the payment of any fees or other charges for the use of such campsites, parks and other public places of recreation.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06280-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in relation to the free use of campsites by former prisoners of war
Purpose or general idea of bill
To allow former prisoners of war free use of campsites.
Summary of specific provisions
Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law, as amended by Chapter 649 of the Laws of 1977, is amended.
Justification
In this small way, we can show our appreciation for the loss of freedom that these individuals were forced to endure while being held a prisoner of war, defending our country.
Prior legislative history
Senate: S3506-2015-16
Assembly: A365-2015-16 A704-2013-14 A.6013-2012 A.5129-2007-08 A.6311-2005-06 A.37952003-04 A.5903-2001-02 A.5425-1999-00
Fiscal implications
Undetermined
Effective date
Immediately
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.