BILL NUMBER: S3234
SPONSOR: COONEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requiring
the issuance of special stickers for alternative fuel vehicles having a
gross vehicle weight of ten thousand pounds or less
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To allow first responders a way to easily identify alternative fuel
vehicles at the scene of an accident to enable them to properly respond.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Directs the commissioner of motor vehicles to adopt rules and
regulations requiring the issuance of special stickers identifying
alternative fuel vehicles; Requires the owner of such vehicles to affix
the stickers to the inside of the windshield; Defines alternative fuel
vehicles for the purposes of this section.
Section 2: Sets effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
First responders put their lives on the line every time they arrive on
the scene of an accident. We should take every step possible to minimize
the risk they face while saving the lives of others. One way to protect
not only the first responders, but also the victims of an accident, is
to make it easier for first responders to assess the situation, includ-
ing the kind of vehicle or vehicles they are working with. For example,
while hydraulic rescue tools and water may work fine on traditional
vehicles, using either on an electric vehicle puts the lives of the
first responders and the victims at risk. In addition to electric vehi-
cles, other alternative fuel vehicles such as those that run on propane,
may also need to be handled differently than an accident involving a
traditional fuel vehicle.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S.9478A
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Minimal to the state, none to local governments.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.