BILL NUMBER: S6445
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act in relation to requiring a study to be conducted on the feasibil-
ity of installing electric ATV charging stations along all state-main-
tained trails where use of ATVs is permitted; and to amend the vehicle
and traffic law, in relation to weight limits of ATVs, and fee schedules
and use of funds collected from registration of ATVs
 
PURPOSE:
This bill requires 100% of ATVs sold in New York to be electric by 2036,
modernizes related definitions, creates a new fee schedule for both
electric and gas-powered ATVs, and directs a feasibility study on
installation of charging stations along NY's ATV trails.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Titles the bill the "all electric ATVs Act of 2025".
Section 2: Declares the legislative intent of the "all electric ATVs Act
of 2025".
Section 3: Directs the New York State Energy Research and Development
Authority (NYSERDA) and the Department of Environmental Conservations
(DEC) to conduct a joint study regarding the feasibility of installing
electric charging stations along the state's all-terrain vehicle (ATV)
trails. Findings and recommendations of the study shall be reported
within one year of the effective date.
Section 4: Amends subdivision 1 of section 2281 of the vehicle and traf-
fic law, as amended by chapter 319 of the laws of 1997, to add a new
subdivision increasing the weight limit of ATVs from 1,000 to 2,000
pounds. Furthermore, this section adds a definition of "electric ATV"
into the vehicle and traffic law.
Section 5: Amends subdivision 4 of section 2282 of the vehicle and traf-
fic law, as amended by chapter 402 of the laws of 1986 and paragraphs
(a) and (b) as amended and the closing paragraph as added by section 4
of part G of 21 chapter 59 of the laws of 2009 to create a new fee sche-
dule for both electric and non-electric ATVs. It also provides that the
difference between fees collected in the subsections shall be donated to
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)and deposited as credit of the
Dedicated Highway and Bridge Trust Fund.
Section 6: states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
ATVs play a vital role in the lives of many New Yorkers. They serve not
only a recreational purpose, but also a practical one for many farmers
and laborers. As New York moves towards a greener economy, we cannot
afford to leave ATVs behind.
This bill accomplishes four items. First, it declares that by 2035, 100%
of all ATVs sold in the state should be electric. This benchmark is
critical; decreasing carbon emissions in all modes of transportation is
vital to meet the ambitious targets set out in the CLCPA.
This legislation directs a joint study between the New York State Energy
Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Department of Envi-
ronmental Conservation (DEC) to examine the feasibility of charging
stations along state ATV trails. In order to incentivize New Yorkers to
use electric ATVs, the state must provide access to reliable energy on
trails.
Another notable change is the change in definition of the weight of ATVs
to 2,000 pounds dry weight, as electric ATVs are heavier than tradi-
tional ATVs. Lastly, this bill updates the fee schedule for ATVs and
donates a portion of all fees collected directly to the EPA to help
environmental efforts across the United States and the dedicated highway
and bridge trust fund to help NY infrastructure.
In short, this legislation is a comprehensive approach to addressing the
electrification of ATVs across the state. It will help increase interest
in ATVs as a whole, raise more revenue for county clerks, and help
propel New York into a greener future.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S8000 - Died in Transportation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S6445: 2281 vehicle and traffic law, 2281(1) vehicle and traffic law