Provides free use of state parks for members or citizens of state or federally recognized Native American nations
This bill amends New York’s parks, recreation and historic preservation law to expand the categories of people who may use state campsites, parks, and other public recreation areas without paying fees or other charges. Under current law, free use applies to people who are blind, non-ambulatory, or amputees, as well as veterans and members of Gold Star families. The bill adds members or citizens of state or federally recognized Native American nations to that list, allowing them to access covered state recreational facilities on the same terms as the general public but without payment.
The bill also updates the statutory definition section to clarify existing eligibility categories, including the definition of “veteran” and “member of a Gold Star family.” It takes effect 90 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for any needed rulemaking or regulatory changes before the effective date.
The bill would directly amend section 13.19 of the parks, recreation and historic preservation law by creating a new fee exemption for members or citizens of state or federally recognized Native American nations at state parks, campsites, and other public recreation sites. It would not change park access rules generally, but it would reduce or eliminate user-fee revenue from the newly covered group and require the state to implement any necessary administrative or regulatory changes. The measure affects the Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the eligible Native American individuals and nations covered by the new exemption.
Available context suggests the bill was introduced and referred to committee without recorded floor debate or votes, so there is no documented opposition or support in the provided materials. The bill’s caption and text indicate a favorable policy intent toward expanding access and recognizing Native American nations’ use of state parks. Because no committee transcript or vote history is provided, the overall sentiment can only be characterized as procedurally neutral but substantively supportive of expanded free access.
The main policy issue is the expansion of a fee waiver to a new class of users, which could raise questions about lost park revenue, administrative verification of eligibility, and whether the benefit should extend to members or citizens of both state-recognized and federally recognized Native American nations. Another possible point of discussion is the bill’s relationship to existing exemptions for veterans, Gold Star families, and persons with disabilities, though no explicit objections or amendments are shown in the provided record. No specific legislators, agencies, or stakeholder groups are identified as opposing or supporting the measure in the available materials.