New York Assembly Bill A00034

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Report Pass: 1/28/25
• Refer: 1/28/25
• Report Pass: 4/7/25
• Refer: 4/7/25
• Engrossed: 4/8/25
• Refer: 4/8/25
• Engrossed: 6/5/25
• Enrolled: 12/1/25
• Vetoed: 12/5/25

Caption

Provides that the thruway authority shall issue permits for ambulances and fire vehicles exempting such vehicles from paying tolls on the thruway when engaged in an emergency operation.

Summary

A00034 amends the Public Authorities Law to require the New York State Thruway Authority to issue emergency services permits for ambulances and fire vehicles, allowing them to travel on the Thruway without paying tolls when they are engaged in an emergency operation. The bill also preserves a refund mechanism for tolls already incurred while a permit application is pending, so eligible vehicles are not left paying out of pocket during the application process. The bill directs the Thruway Authority to adopt rules and regulations for the permit process and allows the Authority to require documentation or other proof that the vehicle was actually engaged in an emergency operation when the toll was incurred. It defines the covered vehicles and emergency operations by reference to existing Vehicle and Traffic Law definitions, tying the new permit system to established state law terminology.

Impact

The bill changes the Thruway Authority’s authority from a discretionary refund-based approach to a mandatory permit system for ambulances and fire vehicles engaged in emergency operations, while still requiring refunds for tolls incurred during the pendency of permit applications. It affects the Public Authorities Law, specifically section 378-a, and will require the Authority to create administrative procedures, standards for proof, and implementation rules for emergency services permits. The practical impact is to reduce toll costs for emergency responders and streamline toll exemption handling for qualifying emergency travel on the New York State Thruway.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have broad bipartisan support and a generally favorable reception. It advanced unanimously through Assembly committees, passed the Assembly by a wide margin, and later passed the Senate unanimously as well. The voting history suggests little organized opposition and a consensus that the measure supports public safety and emergency response operations.

Contention

There is little visible contention in the available record, but the main policy issue is administrative and fiscal: whether the Thruway Authority should issue permits and refunds, and what documentation should be required to verify that a toll was incurred during an emergency operation. Any concern would likely center on implementation burdens, proof standards, and the revenue impact of exempting emergency vehicles from tolls, though no recorded votes or transcripts show active opposition.