Provides free use of state parks and campsites for volunteer firefighters and members of a volunteer ambulance service.
Summary
A04344 would expand New York’s existing free-use parks and campsites program to include active volunteer firefighters and enrolled members of volunteer ambulance services who are residents of the state. Under current law, certain groups such as blind, non-ambulatory, amputee, veteran, and Gold Star family members may use public campsites, parks, and other public recreation areas without paying fees; this bill adds the two volunteer emergency responder categories to that list.
The bill also updates the statutory definition section to cross-reference the relevant definitions for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance service members, while leaving the rest of the free-use program intact. It would take effect 120 days after becoming law, with any needed implementing regulations authorized to be adopted before that date.
Impact
The bill would amend section 13.19 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law by broadening eligibility for fee-free access to state parks, campsites, and other public recreation areas. It would directly affect the State Parks system and any fee structures tied to public campsites and recreation facilities, while creating a new statutory benefit for qualifying volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance personnel who are New York residents.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally favorable but not unanimous support. The Assembly Tourism, Arts and Sports Development Committee voted 13-6 to hold the bill for consideration, indicating meaningful support for the proposal but also enough reservations to prevent immediate advancement. No transcript excerpts are available, so the broader discussion appears to center on the policy itself rather than recorded floor debate.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the scope of the benefit and whether free access to state parks should be extended to volunteer emergency responders in the same way it is already extended to veterans, Gold Star families, and certain disability categories. Supporters would view the bill as a modest recognition of volunteer service and a recruitment/retention incentive for local emergency response organizations, while opponents may question the fiscal impact, fairness of expanding exemptions, or whether the program should be limited to other groups already covered by law. The committee vote shows some division, but no specific objections are documented in the provided materials.
Provides annual vehicular access for New York state's active volunteer firefighters and active volunteer ambulance workers and their immediate family at any state park or recreational facility.
An Act Allowing A Personal Income Tax Deduction For Stipends Paid To Volunteer Firefighters, Volunteer Fire Police Officers And Volunteer Ambulance Members.
Establishes a statewide program to provide free SUNY, CUNY, and community college tuition to active volunteer firefighters, volunteer emergency medical services providers, and volunteer auxiliary police officers.