What's happening
This bill allows eligible veterans free use of public cabins and cottages in New York for up to 14 days per year.
Why it matters
Expands access to more types of accommodations. By adding "cabins and cottages" to the list, the bill gives eligible veterans free access not only to campsites but also to more comfortable and weather-protected lodging options in New York’s public recreation areas.
Recognizes and supports disabled veterans. The eligibility criteria focus on veterans who have received or are eligible for a federal automobile allowance due to disabilities, highlighting a targeted benefit for those with significant service-connected injuries.
Promotes outdoor recreation and well-being for veterans. By reducing barriers to affordable getaways, the bill encourages eligible veterans to enjoy New York’s natural resources, which can boost mental and physical health through time spent in nature.
Establishes clear use limits. The 14-day annual cap balances expanded access with the need to ensure availability for other users and manage public resources sustainably.
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Free Cabins 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
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 Cabins for Veterans
In Assembly Committee · Veterans' Affairs · Sponsor Michael J. Norris
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
283
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE (Prefiled)
January 9, 2019
Introduced by Sen. ORTT -- 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 providing veterans free use of cabins and cottages located in public places of recreation within the state
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 veteran of the wars of the United States, 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, cabins, cottages, 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, cabins, cottages, parks and other public places of recreation. Use of cabins and cottages under this section shall be limited to fourteen days per year.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02447-01-9
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 providing veterans free use of cabins and cottages located in public places of recreation within the state
Purpose
This legislation allows for the free use of cabins and cottages for any blind, non-ambulatory, or amputee or any veteran with certain service based disabilities for a period of fourteen days in a year.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 amends Section 13.19 of the parks, recreation and historic preservation law to include cabins and cottages as free campsites up to a period of 14 days for any blind, non-ambulatory, or amputee or any veteran who has been awarded by the federal government an allowance towards the purchase of an automobile or is eligible for such an award.
Section 2 is the effective date.
Justification
Under current law any blind, non-ambulatory, or amputee or any veteran with certain service based disabilities currently qualifies for free use of any public campsites, park, or other place of public recreation with- out payment. However, currently the State operates certain cabins and cottages located within State Parks that are interpreted to be excluded from this law. This legislation seeks to remove the distinction that is made between what is currently covered and what is not.
Legislative history
S. 1213A of 2017-2018; Referenced to Veterans Committee
Fiscal implications
Minimal
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.