BILL NUMBER: S4710
SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in
relation to providing free use of state parks for certified first
responders who participated in the rescue effort conducted in response
to the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001
 
PURPOSE:
To grant Ground Zero first responders with the opportunity to enjoy free
parking at state parks.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends the parks, recreation and historic preservation law by
adding section 13.22 to allow the commissioner to establish a program
where those individuals who served as a Ground Zero first responder be
issued an annual pass at no cost to use in New York State Parks.
Section 2 provides the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The Office of Parks and Historic Preservation through the Golden Park
program gives senior citizens 62 years of age or older free parking at
state parks. The Access Pass program offers free vehicle access within
state parks to people with a permanent disability. The Patriot Plan
Benefit offers military service members who were called to active duty
in response to the 9/11 emergency a free Empire Passport which provides
free vehicle access/parking at state parks. This bill would extend the
same courtesies of free vehicle access/parking to those first responders
who travelled to New York City and Washington D.C. in the days following
September 11, 2001 to aid in the search, rescue, and recovery efforts.
Many responders have suffered from both physical and mental disabilities
following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and thus providing
them with free access to state parks is an effort that can supplement
their physical and mental recovery.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth 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 effective date.