What's happening
This bill lets members or citizens of recognized Native American nations use state parks for free.
Why it matters
Expands free access to all New York state parks, campsites, and public recreation areas. for members or citizens of any state or federally recognized Native American nation, not just specific locations—impacting both upstate and downstate facilities.
Directly benefits Native American communities. living within New York or those traveling to the state, by reducing barriers to cultural, recreational, and traditional land use in areas that may be historically or spiritually significant.
Represents a notable expansion of existing law. previously, free access was limited to veterans, Gold Star families, and people with certain disabilities, so this change signals a significant step in state recognition of Indigenous rights and presence.
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Who cares
Members and Citizens of State or Federally Recognized Native American Nations
This group directly benefits from the new provision, as they would receive free access to New York State parks, campsites, and recreational areas.
Native American Advocacy Organizations
Groups that represent Native American interests or promote Indigenous rights will care about this legislation as it addresses issues of equity, recognition, and access to public resources.
New York State Parks and Recreation Departments
These agencies will need to implement the new policy, update procedures, and potentially adjust budgeting or staffing to accommodate increased visitation and fee waivers.
General Public and Park Users
Other citizens and visitors to state parks may be interested due to potential changes in park usage, funding structures, and broader discussions around inclusivity and who is granted free access.
Headline styles
Free State Parks for Native Nations
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to tourism, parks, arts and sports development
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 State Parks for Natives
In Senate Committee · Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks And Recreation · Sponsor Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
11431
IN ASSEMBLY
May 15, 2026
Introduced by COMMITTEE ON RULES -- (at request of M. of A. Schiavoni) -- read once and referred to the Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development
AN ACT to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in relation to providing free use of state parks for members or citizens of state or federally recognized Native American nations
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 616 of the laws of 2023, subdivision 2 as amended by chapter 103 of the laws of 2024, is amended to read as follows:
§ 13.19 Free use of parks and campsites. 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, any person who is blind, non-ambulatory, or an amputee [or], any veteran or member of a Gold Star family, or any member or citizen of a state or federally recognized Native American nation shall be permitted to use any of the public campsites, 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, parks and other public places of recreation.
2. For the purposes of this section (a) "veteran" shall mean a resident of this state who is: (i) a veteran as such term is defined in section one of the veterans' services law; or (ii) a person who has served on active duty for the state as a member of the state organized militia as defined in subdivision nine of section one of the military law and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable; or (iii) a person who has served on active duty in the uniformed services of the United States or on active duty for the state as a member of the organized militia and has a qualifying condition, as defined in section one of the veterans' services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service, or is a discharged LGBT veteran, as defined in section one of
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06940-01-5
the veterans' services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service; and
(b) "member of a Gold Star family" shall mean a resident of this state who is a gold star parent as defined in section twenty-six of the veterans' services law, the spouse or domestic partner, or the biological, step, or legally adopted minor child of a veteran whose death qualified the parent for an annuity.
§ 2. 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 effective date.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.