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New York State Assembly

Speaker Carl E. Heastie
  -  This bill is not active in this session.
 
     
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A00034 Summary:

BILL NOA00034
 
SAME ASSAME AS S00031
 
SPONSOREachus
 
COSPNSRLupardo, Buttenschon, Shimsky, Levenberg, Simon, Otis, Lunsford, De Los Santos, Zaccaro, Jacobson, Blankenbush, Gallahan, Tague, Brabenec, Maher, DeStefano, Angelino, Berger, Paulin, Williams, Blumencranz, Reyes, Gandolfo, Beephan, Manktelow, Jensen, Gibbs, Seawright, Lucas, Simpson, Santabarbara, Taylor, Lemondes, Stirpe, Barrett, Cook, Sayegh, Woerner, Walsh, Colton, Eichenstein, Kelles, Steck, Griffin, Cunningham, Chludzinski, Weprin, Brown E
 
MLTSPNSR
 
Amd §378-a, Pub Auth L
 
Provides that the thruway authority shall issue permits for ambulances and fire vehicles exempting such vehicles from paying tolls on the thruway when engaged in an emergency operation.
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A00034 Actions:

BILL NOA00034
 
01/08/2025referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
01/28/2025reported referred to ways and means
04/07/2025reported referred to rules
04/07/2025reported
04/07/2025rules report cal.136
04/07/2025ordered to third reading rules cal.136
04/08/2025passed assembly
04/08/2025delivered to senate
04/08/2025REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
06/05/2025SUBSTITUTED FOR S31
06/05/20253RD READING CAL.1455
06/05/2025PASSED SENATE
06/05/2025RETURNED TO ASSEMBLY
12/01/2025delivered to governor
12/05/2025vetoed memo.55
12/05/2025tabled
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A00034 Memo:

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION
 submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)




 
BILL NUMBER: A34
 
SPONSOR: Eachus

 
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. Requires the thruway authority to promulgate rules and regu-
lations to establish a process for applications for emergency service
permits and issue refunds in the interim period.
 
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 automatically 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:
 
2023-24
 
A6136-B: Passed Assembly, S6645-B: Referred to Transportation
 
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
 
Minimal, as charges are already reimbursable.
 
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
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