BILL NUMBER: S5135
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to providing
for automatic enrollment to NY-Alert on the application for a learner's
permit, driver's license, non-driver identification card, or renewal
thereof
 
PURPOSE:
Provides automatic enrollment to NY-Alert on the application for a
learner's permit, driver's license, non-driver identification card, or
renewal thereof.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the vehicle and traffic law, providing for automatic
enrollment to NY-Alert for a learner's permit, driver's license, non-
driver identification card, or renewal thereof, the commissioner will
give separate space on the application for a learner's permit, drivers
license, non-driver identification card, or renewal so anyone who
applies to the commissioner for the permit, license or card may opt-out
to decline to be enrolled in such alert system.
Section 2 states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The NY-Alert system was created to provide critical, emergency-related
information including instructions and recommendations in real-time by
emergency personnel to New Yorkers during severe weather events, hazard-
ous material spills, AMBER alerts, and other emergencies. NY-Alert
notifications are particularly beneficial to motorists, as they provide
information about hazardous road conditions, highway closures, and other
alerts from State and County Departments of Transportation.
NY-Alert currently requires individuals to request to receive notifica-
tions, meaning many New Yorkers are missing critical emergency informa-
tion due to lack of knowledge about NY-Alert or difficulties with sign-
ing up. Providing automatic enrollment for NY-Alert on the application
for a learner's permit, driver's license, or non-driver identification
card will ensure that motorists will be able to receive the information
they need in order to stay safe and avoid hazardous conditions.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S5166 - Died in Transportation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law.

Statutes affected:
S5135: 502 vehicle and traffic law