What's happening
This bill requires the New York State Thruway Authority to exempt ambulances and fire vehicles from tolls during emergencies and issue refunds while permit applications are pending.
Why it matters
Streamlines emergency response. By mandating the Thruway Authority to issue toll-exempt permits and provide refunds while permits are pending, ambulances and fire vehicles can operate without worrying about delayed or out-of-pocket toll payments, potentially speeding up emergency response times.
Reduces administrative burdens for first responders. Clearly defined rules and an application process for permits and refunds mean less paperwork and uncertainty for emergency service providers, allowing them to focus on their primary mission.
Ensures consistent statewide policy. By updating the law to explicitly include both upfront toll exemptions and interim refunds, the bill closes gaps and ambiguities, ensuring all emergency vehicles across New York are treated equally when using the Thruway during emergencies.
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Who cares
Headline styles
No Tolls for Emergency Vehicles
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 14
History
- Substituted by A34
- Ordered to third reading cal.1455
- Committee discharged and committed to rules
- 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.
No Thruway Tolls for Responders
Vetoed · Sponsor Christopher Eachus
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
31
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE (Prefiled)
January 8, 2025
Introduced by Sens. COMRIE, BORRELLO, MATTERA, OBERACKER, PALUMBO, ROLI- SON, SKOUFIS, WEBER, WEIK -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the issuance of permits to exempt ambulances and fire vehicles from paying tolls on the New York state thruway when engaged in an emergency operation
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 378-a of the public authorities law, as added by chapter 23 of the laws of 2010, is amended to read as follows:
1. The authority is hereby authorized and directed to [issue refunds for tolls incurred by ambulances or fire vehicles engaged in an emergency operation, or, at the option of the authority, to] issue emergency services permits for use by ambulances and fire vehicles which shall provide for travel at no charge between interchanges and barriers while such vehicles are engaged in an emergency operation, provided that the authority is authorized and directed to issue refunds for tolls incurred by such ambulances and fire vehicles engaged in an emergency operation while the applicable application for emergency services permits is pending. The authority shall promulgate rules and regulations establishing the process by which such ambulances and fire vehicles can apply for emergency services permits. For purposes of this section, the term "ambulance" shall have the same meaning as such term is defined by section one hundred-b of the vehicle and traffic law, the term "fire vehicle" shall have the same meaning as such term is defined by section one hundred fifteen-a of the vehicle and traffic law, and the term "emergency operation" shall have the same meaning as such term is defined by section one hundred fourteen-b of the vehicle and traffic law. In any rules and regulations promulgated for the implementation of
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00222-01-5
this section, the authority may establish the type of documentation or other proof satisfactory to the authority that an ambulance or fire vehicle was engaged in an emergency operation at the time a toll was incurred.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the issuance of permits to exempt ambulances and fire vehicles from paying tolls on the New York state thruway when engaged in an emergency operation
Purpose or general idea of bill
This legislation requires the thruway authority to issue emergency services permits to ambulance and fire vehicles, which would exempt such vehicles from paying tolls while, engaged in an emergency operation.
Summary of provisions
Section 1: Amends section 378-a of the public authorities law, in relation to requiring the thruway authority to issue emergency services permits for certain emergency vehicles, exempting such vehicles from tolls.
Section 2. Sets effective date.
Justification
The New York State Thruway Authority currently issues emergency services permits to fire vehicles which exempt such vehicles from paying tolls while they are engaged in an emergency. operation. This is a great idea, however, this exemption is not currently automatic ally given to ambu- lances. EMS agencies are currently allowed to apply for reimbursement for toll expenses, but the process is often complicated, lengthy, and costly, leading many agencies to the conclusion that it is not worth it to apply for reimbursement. Because of the costs associated with tolls, some EMS agencies find ways to avoid the thruway, which increases response times. No New Yorker's life should be put at risk because an emergency services vehicle is unable to reach them in time because of tolls. Requiring such an exemption would save our EMS agencies money while they are in the process of saving lives.
Prior legislative history
2023:
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
Minimal, as charges are already reimbursable.
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.