What's happening
This bill creates the Explorer Empire Passport, giving public libraries free passes for families to access state parks and historic sites.
Why it matters
Expands access to outdoor recreation. by allowing families—especially those who may not afford entrance fees—to visit state parks and historic sites through their local library, potentially improving public health and quality of life.
Promotes equity and inclusion. by ensuring all public libraries receive at least two passes, so communities across the state, including underserved and rural areas, gain similar opportunities for free park access.
Strengthens libraries as community hubs. by making them a gateway to cultural and recreational resources, increasing their value beyond books and digital media and encouraging broader community engagement.
Supports family and community bonding. by enabling up to six household members to participate together, making it easier for larger or multigenerational families to enjoy shared experiences in nature and history.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Free Park Passes via Libraries
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to cultural affairs, tourism, parks and recreation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
8058
IN SENATE
March 22, 2018
Introduced by Sen. RITCHIE -- 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 and the education law, in relation to creating the explorer empire passport
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The parks, recreation and historic preservation law is amended by adding a new section 13.22 to read as follows:
§ 13.22 Explorer empire passport. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the office shall provide public libraries free two-day passes, or passes for one night of camping, to state parks and historic sites for up to six members of the same household, of which at least one member is registered with such library. Such passes shall be referred to as the explorer empire passport and each library shall be provided with a minimum of two such passes.
§ 2. The education law is amended by adding a new section 286 to read as follows:
§ 286. Explorer empire passport. All public libraries, as defined in section two hundred fifty-three of this part, shall make available free two-day passes, or passes for one night of camping, to state parks and historic sites for up to six members of the same household, of which at least one member is registered with such library, in accordance with section 13.22 of the parks, recreation and historic preservation law. All such passes shall be subject to the return policy utilized by each individual library. Such passes shall be referred to as the explorer empire passport and each library shall be provided with a minimum of two such passes.
§ 3. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation by the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation or the commissioner of education necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD14425-04-8
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 and the education law, in relation to creating the explorer empire passport
Purpose
This bill seeks to encourage New Yorkers and their families to explore the many facilities that are offered at State parks, and encourage outdoor activity.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 adds a new section to the parks, recreation, and historic preservation law, to create the explorer empire passport. This section requires the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, to provide public libraries with a minimum of two such passports at no cost, for library members to withdraw. The passports will be valid as free two-day entry pass, or passes for one night of camping, to state parks and historic sites. The passport will be valid for up to six fami- ly members of the same household. At least one family member in such household must have a library card registered with the library from which the passport is withdrawn.
Read the full memo (630 words)
Section 2 adds a new section to the education law to require public libraries to make the empire passports available for registered library members in accordance with section 1 of this bill. This section also subjects explorer empire passports to each library's return policy.
Section 3 provides the effective date.
Justification
Encouraging greater use of state parks promotes a healthier lifestyle for local communities and visitors alike. State parks provide physical benefits, giving families areas to recreate and exercise. Further, our State parks are some of the most beautiful in the nation, including parks that have been ranked first and third in beauty nationally. This program encourages New Yorkers who have not been to a State park to gather as families and communities to walk, hike, swim, and play while enjoying the historic beauty of New York's public lands.
In addition to the measurable health benefits our parks provide, New York's State parks represent a vital source of revenue. According to the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, visitor spending alone supported roughly 45,000 state park system jobs and added $2.4 billion to the state's GDP from April 2015 through March 2016. Those who visit state parks contribute significantly to business in the surround- ing community. From restaurants and grocery stores to sporting goods stores, visitors to our state parks spend their vacation dollars in the communities surrounding the parks, increasing business and job opportu- nities for the members of those local communities.
By creating an Explorer Empire Passport available through our public libraries, this bill will attract New Yorkers and their families, who would not otherwise visit, to state parks. This bill also follows twelve other states, which have already established a State park pass checkout program. In turn, this bill spurs economic growth around the parks, benefitting our communities and their businesses, while promoting health and wellbeing through greater access to recreational opportunities. As a result of increased revenue and the limited number of passports per public library, the cost of the program will be minimal.
Ultimately, local communities will have greater accessibility to take advantage of the benefits afforded by their local state parks. New York- ers from other parts of the state will be encouraged to travel the state, contribute to these local communities, and experience the natural benefits that New York State has to offer.
Legislative history
New Bill.
Fiscal implications
Minimal.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addi- tion, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.