BILL NUMBER: S2606
SPONSOR: ADDABBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in
relation to providing free use of state parks for members or citizens of
state or federally recognized Native American nations
 
PURPOSE:
This legislation amends the parks, recreation, and historic preservation
law to allow any member or citizen of a state or federally recognized
Native American Nation to have free access to state parks and campsites.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
The legislation would amend section 13.19 of the parks, recreation, and
historic preservation law, as amended by chapter 649 of the laws of
1977.
Section one amends the law by adding members or citizens of state and
federally recognized Native American Nations as among those who can
access free use of state parks and campsites.
Section two establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill would include members or citizens of state and federally
recognized Native American Nations as among those who are able to access
New York State parks and campsites free of charge. Prior to European
colonization, the modern boundaries of New York State encompassed at
least fifteen Native American Nations. New York's parklands preserve the
natural state of lands as they have existed for millennia, making them
historically and culturally significant to the indigenous communities of
New York State.
The federal government allows free entrance for members or citizens of
American Indian Nations or traditionally associated groups to National
Parks for non-recreational activities, and the State of Minnesota allows
American Indians who are members or citizens of federally recognized
Nations within the state to access state parks and recreation areas free
of charge.
By providing free access to state parks and campsites to members or
citizens of Native American Nations, New York State is honoring the
connection of Native Americans to their ancestral lands.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023: S.782 (Kennedy) - Refferred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks &
Recreation Committee.
2024: S9474 (Addabbo) - Refferred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks &
Recreation Committee.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall become
law.