Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that the Assembly passed legislation he authored to establish standard procedures for removing unruly campers at campgrounds (A.1569).

“Campgrounds should be fun and welcoming spaces where people are able to get out in nature and explore,” Jones said. “But it’s important that visitors respect the shared space and their fellow campers. It can be a lengthy and drawn-out process to remove campers who are unruly, overstay their reservation or fail to pay. I crafted this legislation to make this process easier and ensure all parties are treated fairly.”

Jones’ legislation would create fair, straightforward rules for owners of campgrounds and ensure that those who are asked to leave or are removed are reimbursed for unused parts of prepaid fees and are returned their property. The guest’s property would either be stored on the campsite or placed in storage, and they would be notified via certified mail to retrieve any belongings. The measure also clarifies that campgrounds are for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use and are not subject to eviction procedures.