BILL NUMBER: S6623
SPONSOR: OBERACKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to use of all
terrain vehicles by certified handicapped individuals on public property
 
PURPOSE:
Provides that certified handicapped individuals may use an ATV on public
land for transportation purposes only, during the hunting season.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Subdivision 2 of section 2403 of the vehicle and traffic law,
as added by chapter 402 of the laws of 1986 is amended as follows:
Public Lands other than highways. No person, except persons that are
certified handicapped individuals, shall operate an ATV on any public
lands, waters and property other than a highway, except that an. ATV may
be operated on any such lands which have been designated and posted for
travel by ATVs in accordance with the provisions of section twenty-four
hundred five of this article. Persons certified as handicapped individ-
uals may utilize an ATV to enter and exit public lands for the purpose
of hunting, whereby such individual may be the operator or a passenger
of such vehicle.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Existing statute forbids an individual to use an ATV to enter public
lands for the purposes of hunting. The sponsor of this legislation
understands that many handicapped individuals have a difficult time
physically in their efforts to reach their hunting destination. Conse-
quently, many who otherwise would enjoy the sport of hunting opt not to
partake in the activity due to their impairment. This bill would provide
these individuals with the opportunity to utilize an ATV for purposes of
entering or exiting public lands, thereby enabling them to enjoy hunting
privileges. Additionally, this bill would ultimately enhance the number
of people entering the ranks of active and participating sportsmen,
thereby increasing state revenue for license sales and serving to
control the ever-increasing deer population.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined
 
LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S6623: 2403 vehicle and traffic law, 2403(2) vehicle and traffic law