NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A3203
SPONSOR: Barrett TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in
relation to providing vehicular access to state parks and recreational
facilities free of charge to military personnel who are residents of
this state
PURPOSE: OF THE BILL:
This bill provides the Empire Pass free of charge to U.S. and NYS
members of the armed forces, as well as their dependents, who are resi-
dents of New York State.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS::
Section one amends the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law
by adding a new section 13.22 to make Empire Passports available free of
charge to all U.S. military personnel and reserve members, NYS division
of military and naval affairs personnel and reserve members, and immedi-
ate family members of such persons.
Section two sets forth the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION::
Under current policy, Empire Passes are available for purchase at $80.00
annually. Active duty NYS military personnel and their immediate fami-
lies in support of the war on terrorism may apply for free annual Empire
Passes under Executive Order 125 of 2003. Additionally, disabled veter-
ans may apply for the Lifetime Liberty Pass. At the federal level, the
National Park Service offers Annual America the Beautiful Passes for
purchase at $80.00. US military members and their dependents in any
branch including National Guard and Reserve members may obtain the pass
at no cost with presentation of a valid Common Access card or Military
ID. These passes cover entrance fees and standard amenity fees at
national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests and grass-
lands, and lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of
Reclamation, and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Under New York State's Executive Order 125, members of the New York
State National Guard or military reserves currently on active duty are
eligible for one free Empire Pass Card for use by the service member and
their immediate family. This legislation permanently establishes Execu-
tive Order 125 in state law and, additionally, expands the availability
of Empire Passes for all U.S. and New York State military personnel and
reservists.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY::
2021-2022: A.5254/S.2152;
2019-2020: A.8922/S.7030.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS::
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE::
The 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 date.
