New York Senate Bill S02694

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/25
• Refer: 1/22/25

Caption

Requires certain state owned and operated parking facilities to install and maintain charging stations for plug-in electric vehicles.

Summary

S02694 would add a new section to the New York Executive Law requiring certain state-owned and state-operated parking facilities to install and maintain electric vehicle charging stations. The bill applies to parking facilities with 50 or more spaces that are used for public parking, state employee parking, or pay-per-use parking, and it sets different minimum charging requirements based on facility size. Facilities with 50 to 200 spaces would need charging stations in at least 10% of spaces, while facilities with more than 200 spaces would need charging stations in at least 20% of spaces, or equivalent charging infrastructure measured in kilovolt-amps. The bill also specifies technical standards for the charging stations, including minimum electrical capacity, compliance with applicable electrical codes, and the ability to use Level 2 chargers, DC fast chargers, or a combination of both. The Office of General Services would be responsible for installation and may also handle maintenance and repairs. If electrical upgrades are needed, the office must increase system capacity as necessary or contract with licensed electricians or similar providers, with contracted work subject to prevailing wage requirements under the Labor Law. The bill would take effect on April 1 after becoming law.

Impact

This bill would directly affect state-owned parking facilities and the Office of General Services by imposing a statutory mandate to provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure at qualifying sites. It would create a new legal requirement in the Executive Law for minimum charger coverage or equivalent electrical capacity, and it would also tie any outside contracting for upgrades, maintenance, or repairs to prevailing wage rules. The measure would likely increase capital, electrical, and maintenance obligations for state facilities while expanding public access to EV charging.

Sentiment

The available context suggests generally favorable or supportive sentiment, as reflected by the bill’s introduction by multiple senators and its advancement through committee with amendment and recommittal rather than rejection. No votes or committee transcript excerpts are provided, so there is no recorded opposition or debate in the supplied materials. Overall, the bill appears to be treated as a practical infrastructure and clean-transportation measure.

Contention

The main points of potential contention are likely cost, feasibility, and implementation burden. Requiring 10% to 20% charger coverage, plus possible electrical system upgrades, could be expensive for the state and operationally challenging for older facilities. Another possible issue is the use of prevailing wage for contracted electrical work, which may raise project costs. The bill text itself does not show explicit opposition, but these are the most likely areas of concern for agencies, budget-minded lawmakers, or facility operators.