What's happening
This bill allows New York residents aged 65 or older to use state parks and historic sites for free.
Why it matters
Expands access to public spaces for seniors. By removing fees for New York residents aged 65 and older, the bill helps reduce financial barriers, encouraging more frequent use of state parks and historic sites among seniors, which can improve their physical and mental well-being.
Potential for increased social engagement. Free entry could enable seniors to participate more fully in community events, group activities, and family outings at these sites, fostering stronger social connections and reducing isolation.
Economic and policy implications. The measure may decrease state revenue from park fees while potentially increasing visitor numbers, leading to both budget considerations and possible shifts in park maintenance and programming to accommodate higher senior attendance.
Sets a legal precedent for age-based public benefits. By codifying free access for those 65 and older, the bill could pave the way for similar policies in other public services or inspire comparable legislation in other states.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Free Parks for Seniors
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Reported and committed to finance
- 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.
Free Parks for Seniors
In Assembly Committee · Tourism, Parks, Arts And Sports Development · Sponsor Marcos Crespo
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3201
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 20, 2017
Introduced by Sens. SERRANO, AVELLA, BAILEY, LATIMER, SANDERS, SAVINO, STEWART-COUSINS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation
AN ACT to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in relation to waiver of certain fees
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 13.15 of the parks, recreation and historic preservation law is amended by adding a new subdivision 3-a to read as follows:
3-a. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, senior citizens shall be entitled to use any park, recreational facility or historic site under the jurisdiction of the office upon the same terms and conditions as apply to the general public, but without the payment of any fee or other charge for such use. For purposes of this subdivision the term "senior citizens" shall mean persons sixty-five years of age or older.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law, provided that the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation shall promulgate any rules and regulations necessary for the timely implementation of this act on its effective date on or before such date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07987-01-7
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 waiver of certain fees
Purpose or general idea of bill
To allow senior citizens, who may be living on a fixed income, to enjoy certain state facilities without charge.
Summary of specific provisions
This bill amends Section 13.15 of the parks, recreation and historic preservation law by adding a new subdivision 3-a which entitles senior citizens age 65 and older, to the use of any state park, recreational facility or historic sites under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks upon the same terms and conditions as apply to the general public, but without the payment of any fee or other charge for use.
Justification
Most senior citizens age 65 and older, live on a fixed income and should not be denied the use of any parks, recreational facilities or historic sites due to the lack of funds.
Prior legislative history
2007-2008: A.5228 - Remained in Committee 2009-2010: Senate & Assembly Referred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation 2011-2012: S.2343- Referred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation 2013-2014: S.1038- Referred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation 2015-2016: 5.1202 - Referred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
Ninety days after it becomes law, with provisions.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.