New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00383

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Provides senior citizens shall be entitled to use any park, recreational facility or historic site without the imposition of any fee or other charge; defines senior citizens as persons 62 years of age or older.

Summary

A00383 would amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law to exempt senior citizens from paying fees or other charges when using state park facilities, recreational facilities, or historic sites under the jurisdiction of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The bill applies the same terms and conditions that govern the general public, but removes any fee requirement for eligible users. The bill defines “senior citizens” as persons 62 years of age or older. If enacted, it would create a statewide fee waiver for qualifying older adults visiting covered state-managed parks, recreational amenities, and historic sites, and would authorize any necessary implementing regulations to be adopted before the effective date.

Impact

The bill would directly modify section 13.15 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law by adding a new subdivision creating a mandatory fee exemption for seniors age 62 and older. This would affect the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation by limiting its ability to charge entrance, use, or other access-related fees to that population for covered facilities and sites, while leaving all other terms and conditions of use unchanged.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as a senior-friendly access and affordability proposal, with no recorded committee debate or votes indicating opposition or support. The overall sentiment is therefore neutral-to-supportive in design, emphasizing expanded access for older New Yorkers rather than controversy over policy direction.

Contention

The main policy issue is fiscal and administrative: the bill would reduce fee revenue from state park and historic site users who qualify as seniors, which could raise concerns about lost operating funds or how the exemption would be implemented. Another possible point of discussion is the age threshold of 62, which is lower than some common senior-benefit definitions and may be viewed as either appropriately inclusive or overly broad, though no recorded transcript shows active disagreement.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A00236

Provides senior citizens shall be entitled to use any park, recreational facility or historic site without the imposition of any fee or other charge; defines senior citizens as persons 62 years of age or older.

NY HB802

State park fee; authorize MDWFP to provide discount to senior citizens age 65 and older.

NY HB1247

State park fee; authorize MDWFP to provide discount to senior citizens age 65 and older.

NY SB378

Relating to charges for senior citizens to use areas under the jurisdiction of the State Parks and Recreation Department.

NY S08597

Prohibits children from being denied access to a free public education on account of perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status or the perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status of their parents or person in a parental relationship.

NY A10021

Prohibits children from being denied access to a free public education on account of perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status or the perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status of their parents or person in a parental relationship.

NY A11431

Provides free use of state parks for members or citizens of state or federally recognized Native American nations

NY A686

Exempts senior citizens and blind or disabled persons from certain realty transfer fees.

NY S09490

Prohibits landlords or their agents from inquiring or requiring disclosure about citizenship or immigration status, requiring specific immigration documentation to be presented, disclosing immigration or citizenship status to third parties, or threatening to report a tenant's citizenship or immigration status in retaliation for asserting their rights.

NY A11176

Prohibits landlords or their agents from inquiring or requiring disclosure about citizenship or immigration status, requiring specific immigration documentation to be presented, disclosing immigration or citizenship status to third parties, or threatening to report a tenant's citizenship or immigration status in retaliation for asserting their rights.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.