BILL NUMBER: S7164
SPONSOR: HINCHEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to authorizing
certain persons to use an ATV to enter and exit certain lands during ice
fishing season
 
PURPOSE::
To allow people over the age of 65 or with a mobility impairment to
access ice fishing locations via an ATV.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS::
Section one - Adds a new subdivision to section 2403 of the vehicle and
traffic law to allow people over the age of 65 or with a mobility
impairment to use an ATV to access ice fishing locations in the state,
if snowmobile access is already permitted.
Section two states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION::
Ice fishing is a winter pastime that helps many New Yorkers get outside
during the cold winter months. It is also an important communal activ-
ity, with multiple generations often going out together to pass on know-
ledge or simply enjoy time together.
However, there is currently a disparity in equal access to ice fishing
in New York. Many ice fishing locations are accessible by snowmobile,
but ATVs are often not permitted to be used to access these same sites.
For many older or mobility-impaired New Yorkers, walking or riding a
snowmobile is too arduous for them to safely reach these locations.
This bill would create access parity by allowing ATV access to any site
where snowmobile access is also permitted.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY::
New Bill.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE::
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S7164: 2403 vehicle and traffic law