What's happening
This bill requires New York State to provide free annual parking passes at state parks for senior citizens aged 62 and over.
Why it matters
Reduces financial barriers for seniors. By waiving parking fees at state parks for residents aged 62 and older, the bill makes recreational and natural spaces more accessible to seniors, many of whom live on fixed incomes.
Promotes senior health and well-being. Easier, cost-free access to state parks encourages physical activity, socialization, and outdoor engagement, all of which are proven to improve physical and mental health for older adults.
Supports social equity. The program applies statewide, ensuring that seniors in both urban and rural areas benefit equally from free parking, rather than only in select locations or parks.
Requires timely implementation. The bill mandates that relevant state agencies establish or modify systems to issue these free passes, pushing for administrative changes to ensure the benefit is delivered efficiently and on schedule.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Free Park Parking for Seniors
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 62
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to cultural affairs, tourism, parks and recreation
- Committee discharged and committed to cultural affairs, tourism, parks and recreation
- Referred to aging
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
732
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 4, 2017
Introduced by Sen. ORTT -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Aging
AN ACT to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in relation to free parking passes for senior citizens
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 13.16 of the parks, recreation and historic preservation law is amended by adding a new subdivision 4-a to read as follows:
4-a. The commissioner or other state agency having jurisdiction of a state park or recreational facility is authorized and directed to establish a system or program, or modify an existing system or program, to provide senior citizens, upon proof of age sixty-two or older, with an annual pass for free daily parking, including parking on weekends, at state park facilities. Such annual parking pass shall be issued by the commissioner to such senior citizens free of charge.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law, provided however that, effective immediately, the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation shall be authorized and directed to add, amend and/or repeal any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04602-01-7
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 free parking passes for senior citizens
Purpose
To allow Senior Citizens 62 and over to enjoy free parking year at state parks.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 amends section 13.16 of parks, recreation, and historic preservation law to allow the commissioner to establish a program where those individuals age 62 and over shall be issued an annual pass for free parking at New York State Parks.
Section 2 of the bill is the effective date.
Justification
Currently, the Office of Parks and Historic Preservation provides free parking to senior citizens during the week, but not on weekends or on holidays. While this is extremely well received, the Office of Parks & Recreation not differentiate between the week and weekends for seniors. Many senior citizens are still required to work during the week to provide for their families - consequently, the current free parking benefit is not available to them. This legislation corrects this inequity.
Bill history
S.3103 2007/2008; Referred to Aging Committee. S.3214/A.3909 of 2009/2010; Reported and Committed to Finance S.278/A.2357 of 2011/2012; Referred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation S.1061/A8673 of 2013/2014; Referred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks S. 4175/A. 9300; Referred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation
Fiscal implications
Minimal.
Effective date
120th day after becoming law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.