BILL NUMBER: S7164A
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 for ice
fishing
 
PURPOSE:
To allow people over the age of 65 or those that are severely disabled
to access safe 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 who are either over the age of 65 or are
severely disabled to use an ATV to access ice fishing locations in the
state, if ice conditions are reasonably safe and snowmobile access is
already permitted.
This section also defines "Severely disabled" as any person with limited
or no use of one or both lower limbs, neuro-muscular dysfunction which
severely limits mobility, blindness, or a certified physical or mental
impairment other than those specified in the bill.
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 severely disa-
bled 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 safe
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
S7164A: 2403 vehicle and traffic law