What's happening
This bill allows eligible disabled veterans with a Lifetime Liberty Pass to have a special mark on their driver's license or ID card at no extra fee.
Why it matters
Increases visibility and recognition. for disabled veterans by allowing a clear, official indicator of their Lifetime Liberty Pass status on state-issued IDs and driver’s licenses, potentially streamlining access to benefits and public accommodations.
Reduces administrative and financial barriers. by waiving extra fees for adding or updating the Lifetime Liberty Pass mark, ensuring that veterans are not penalized for requesting this distinction or needing a new card to reflect their status.
Standardizes proof requirements. by specifying acceptable documentation (like DD-214 forms and proof of the Lifetime Liberty Pass), which may help prevent confusion or inconsistent application by DMV staff and veterans alike.
Could enhance awareness. among law enforcement, service providers, and the public about the specific rights and privileges associated with the Lifetime Liberty Pass, potentially reducing misunderstandings in situations where proof of eligibility is needed.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Lifetime Pass Mark on IDs
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
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.
Add Lifetime Liberty Mark
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Michael DenDekker
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1151
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 11, 2019
Introduced by Sen. TEDISCO -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to authorizing the issuance of licenses and non-driver identification cards containing a Lifetime Liberty Pass distinguishing mark
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 504 of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new paragraph (a-2) to read as follows:
(a-2) Every license or renewal thereof issued to an applicant who: (i) was a member of the armed forces of the United States; (ii) received an honorable discharge or was released therefrom under honorable conditions; and (iii) qualifies for and has received a Lifetime Liberty Pass permitting qualified veterans with disabilities discounted use of state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities operated by the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation and the state department of environmental conservation, shall, upon his or her request and submission of proof as set forth herein, contain a distinguishing mark, in such form as the commissioner shall determine, indicating that he or she is a holder of a Lifetime Liberty Pass. Such proof shall consist of a certificate of release or discharge from active duty including but not limited to a DD Form 214, a copy of such person's Lifetime Liberty Pass or other proof satisfactory to the commissioner. The commissioner shall not require fees for the issuance of such licenses or renewals thereof to persons requesting a Lifetime Liberty Pass distinguishing mark which are different from fees otherwise required; provided, however, that notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the commissioner shall not require fees for a duplication or amendment of a license prior to its renewal if such duplication or amendment was solely for the purpose of adding to such license.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06472-01-9
S. 1151 2
§ 2. Subdivision 3 of section 490 of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new paragraph (b-1) to read as follows:
(b-1) Every identification card or renewal thereof issued to an applicant who: (i) was a member of the armed forces of the United States; (ii) received an honorable discharge or was released therefrom under honorable conditions; and (iii) qualifies for and has received a Lifetime Liberty Pass permitting qualified veterans with disabilities discounted use of state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities operated by the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation and the state department of environmental conservation, shall, upon his or her request and submission of proof as set forth herein, contain a distinguishing mark, in such form as the commissioner shall determine, indicating that he or she is a holder of a Lifetime Liberty Pass. Such proof shall consist of a certificate of release or discharge from active duty including but not limited to a DD Form 214, a copy of such person's Lifetime Liberty Pass or other proof satisfactory to the commissioner. The commissioner shall not require fees for the issuance of such identification cards or renewals thereof to persons requesting a Lifetime Liberty Pass distinguishing mark which are different from fees otherwise required; provided, however, that notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the commissioner shall not require fees for a duplication or amendment of an identification card prior to its renewal if such duplication or amendment was solely for the purpose of adding a Lifetime Liberty Pass distinguishing mark to such identification card.
§ 3. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such date.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to authorizing the issuance of licenses and non-driver identification cards containing a Lifetime Liberty Pass distinguishing mark
Purpose
OF THE BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to establish a distinguishing mark on a New York State Driver's License (and non-driver's identification card) indi- cating the individual is a holder of a New York State Lifetime Liberty Pass.
Summary of provisions
Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 504 of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new paragraph (a-2) which lays out the parameters for applicant eligibility for the Lifetime Liberty Pass and required documentation.
2. Subdivision 3 of section 490 of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new paragraph (b-1) to read as follows:
(b-1) Every identification card or renewal thereof issued to an appli- cant who: (i) was a member of the armed forces of the United States;(ii) received an honorable discharge or was released therefrom under honor- able conditions; and (iii) qualifies for and has received a Lifetime Liberty Pass permitting qualified veterans with disabilities discounted use of state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities operated by the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation and the state department of environmental conservation, shall, upon his or her request and submission of proof as set forth herein, contain a distin- guishing mark, in such form as the commissioner shall determine, indi- cating that he or she is a holder of a Lifetime Liberty Pass. Such proof shall consist of a certificate of release or discharge from active duty including but not limited to a DD Form 214, a copy of such person's Lifetime Liberty Pass or other proof satisfactory to the commissioner. The commissioner shall not require fees for the issuance of such iden- tification cards or renewals thereof to persons requesting a Lifetime Liberty Pass distinguishing mark which are different from fees otherwise required; provided, however, that notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the commissioner shall not require fees for a duplication or amendment of an identification card prior to its renewal if such dupli- cation or amendment was solely for the purpose of adding a Lifetime Liberty Pass distinguishing mark to such identification card.
Section 2 establishes the effective date.
Justification
Currently, with the purchase of a lifetime recreation or sporting license, your NYS Driver License can become an all-purpose boating, fishing, hunting and parks ID card. This convenient "Adventure license," unfortunately is not extended to New York State veterans with disabili- ties who carry New York's Lifetime Liberty Pass.
This legislation seeks to correct this inconsistency and provide those selfless men and women who have worn our nation's uniform the same priv- ilege as those New Yorkers who possess a lifetime Empire State Passport distinction.
Prior legislative history
06/22/18: S.9121 REFERRED TO RULES
Fiscal implications
Minimal.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made on or before such date.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.