Relates to installing Lyme and tick-borne disease warning signs at all state-managed parks including trail entryways and campgrounds due to the increased presence of such diseases within the state.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
 
BILL NUMBER: A8829
SPONSOR: Barrett (MS)
 
TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic
preservation law, in relation to installing Lyme and tick-borne disease
warning signs at all state-managed parks
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to reduce Lyme and other tick-borne disease
infection rates by posting tick warning signs at state parks, including
trail entryways and campgrounds.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
The bill adds a new section 13.28 to the parks, recreation and historic
preservation law directing the parks office to install and maintain tick
warning signs at all state-managed parks, including trail entryways and
campgrounds. The signs will inform the public that ticks may be found in
such areas and can that they can cause Lyme or other tick borne disease.
The office may use models already in use when determining the design and
content of the signs.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Lyme and other tick-borne diseases (TBDs) represent an ever-increasing
risk to New Yorkers of every age and in every corner of the state.
Reports of new strains of tick-borne bacteria and viruses which can even
be fatal have become more common, indicating the need for a stronger
approach to educating the public about preventing tick bites and about
treatment after a tick bite. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) admit
that infection rates in New York may 10 times greater than the numbers
of confirmed cases, as reported by healthcare providers. This is due to
several factors: a high rate of false negative test results; testing
protocols which are not reliable assessments of infection; and lack of
awareness of infection when early symptoms are not present. When
untreated Lyme and other TBDs can be debilitating and result in a life-
time of chronic pain and difficult to diagnose ailments. The statewide
installation of tick warning signs at state parks, trails, and camp-
grounds will serve as a worthy addition to the public's understanding
and awareness of Lyme and other TBDs.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Undetermined
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
90 days after enactment, provided that any rule or regulation needed to
implement the provisions of the bill may be made immediately.