New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00242

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Requires operators of bicycles, skateboards, inline skates and scooters who are under eighteen years of age to wear protective headgear; increases the age requirement from fourteen years to eighteen years.

Summary

Bill A00242 amends the vehicle and traffic law to require that all operators and passengers under the age of eighteen wear protective headgear while using bicycles, skateboards, inline skates, and scooters. This legislation raises the previous age requirement from fourteen to eighteen years. The bill aims to enhance the safety of young riders by mandating helmet use, thereby reducing the risk of head injuries associated with these activities. Additionally, it establishes provisions for waiving fines for violations if individuals can prove they have purchased or rented a helmet after the violation.

Impact

The bill will impact state laws by enforcing stricter helmet requirements for a larger age group, thereby aligning New York's safety regulations with a more protective stance for youth. It modifies existing statutes regarding helmet use and introduces new provisions for waiving fines based on economic hardship. This change may lead to increased compliance with safety standards and potentially lower rates of injury among younger riders, while also allowing local jurisdictions to maintain their own regulations if they are more stringent.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill A00242 appears to be supportive among safety advocates who emphasize the importance of protecting young riders. However, there may be concerns from some parents and guardians regarding the enforcement of fines and the implications of increased regulations on youth activities. The absence of voting history and committee discussions makes it difficult to gauge the full spectrum of opinions.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the enforcement mechanisms of the bill, particularly regarding the issuance of fines to parents or guardians for violations committed by minors. Some may argue that this could unfairly penalize families, especially those facing economic hardships. Additionally, there may be discussions about the effectiveness of helmet laws in preventing injuries versus personal freedom and responsibility.

Companion Bills

NY S03327

Same As Requires operators of bicycles, skateboards, inline skates and scooters who are under eighteen years of age to wear protective headgear; increases the age requirement from fourteen years to eighteen years.

Previously Filed As

NY A00166

Requires operators of bicycles, skateboards, inline skates and scooters who are under eighteen years of age to wear protective headgear; increases the age requirement from fourteen years to eighteen years.

NY S02785

Requires operators of bicycles, skateboards, inline skates and scooters who are under eighteen years of age to wear protective headgear; increases the age requirement from fourteen years to eighteen years.

NY S03327

Requires operators of bicycles, skateboards, inline skates and scooters who are under eighteen years of age to wear protective headgear; increases the age requirement from fourteen years to eighteen years.

NY HB06678

An Act Requiring Children Eighteen Years Of Age And Under To Wear Bicycle Helmets.

NY A10822

Requires children under the age of eighteen to wear protective headgear while skiing or snowboarding; imposes civil fines for violations thereof; applies safety in skiing code requirements to snowboarders and snowboarding.

NY S09361

Requires operators of bicycles with electric assist, electric scooters, and motor-driven cycles to wear protective head gear regardless of age.

NY A09213

Requires operators of bicycles with electric assist, electric scooters, and motor-driven cycles to wear protective head gear regardless of age.

NY HB2334

Prohibits persons under eighteen years of age from carrying firearms into public areas within urban areas

NY H8086

Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.

NY H6133

Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.

Similar Bills

CA AB2570

Elderly Parole Program.

MN SF1826

Payment rates establishment for certain substance use disorder treatment services

MN HF1994

Payment rates established for certain substance use disorder treatment services, and vendor eligibility recodified for payments from the behavioral health fund.

TX HB1080

Relating to the publication of required notice by a political subdivision by alternative media.

CA SB680

Sex offender registration: unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

CA AB387

An act to amend Section 219 of the Code of Civil Procedure, relating to juries.

CA SB689

Local jurisdictions: district-based elections.

US HB31

Cover Outstanding Vulnerable Expansion-eligible Residents Now Act or the COVER Now Act This bill establishes a demonstration program to allow local governments to provide health benefits to the Medicaid expansion population in states that have not expanded Medicaid. Under the program, local governments may provide coverage for individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e., the Medicaid expansion population) for a maximum of 10 years, or until their respective states expand Medicaid. The bill provides a 100% federal matching rate for the first three years of program participation. The bill prohibits states from taking certain actions against participating localities, such as withholding funding, increasing taxes, or restricting provider participation. States that violate these requirements are subject to certain funding penalties.