NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A8290B
SPONSOR: Gottfried TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the navigation law, in relation to
prohibiting vessels from operating, anchoring or mooring in the naviga-
ble waters of the state while operating a digital billboard board
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
This bill adds a new Section 43-a to the Navigation Law to prohibit
vessels from operating, anchoring, or mooring in the navigable waters of
the state while operating a digital billboard or another type of bill-
board that uses flashing, intermittent or moving lights.
The bill would not limit the ability of local governments to regulate
the operation of vessels within 1500 feet off their shore pursuant to
section 46a of the Navigation Law, and would further allow localities to
adopt local laws to expressly restrict or prohibit the use of outdoor
advertising signage on vessels within 1500 feet of their shore, or
expressly authorize vessels to operate a digital billboard or another
type of billboard that uses flashing, intermittent or moving lights
within 1500 feet of their shore.
A violation of the bill would be punishable by a civil penalty of $1,500
for the first violation and $5,000 for all subsequent violations.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
The amended version removes criminal penalties for violations of this
provision.
JUSTIFICATION:
Vessels operating in the navigable waters of the state that are equipped
with digital billboards are a potential public nuisance and public safe-
ty hazard. They can be distracting to fellow boaters, and mar the other-
wise beautiful environment of our local waterways with unwanted adver-
tisements. This bill would prohibit vessels from operating, anchoring,
or mooring in the navigable waters of the state while operating a
digital bill- board or another type of billboard that uses flashing,
intermittent, or moving lights. Local governments would, at local
option, be allowed to authorize vessels to be equipped with these bill-
boards within 1,500 feet from their shores.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.
