New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03209

Introduced
1/24/25  
Refer
1/24/25  
Refer
1/7/26  

Caption

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.

Summary

Bill S03209 amends the general obligations law and labor law in New York to mandate that individuals under the age of eighteen wear protective headgear while skiing or snowboarding. The bill defines snowboarders and outlines specific duties for both skiers and snowboarders, including the requirement for ski area operators to provide protective headgear for sale or rental. Additionally, it establishes penalties for ski area operators who fail to comply with these regulations, with fines imposed for violations.

Impact

The bill impacts state laws by enhancing safety regulations for skiing and snowboarding, particularly for minors. It introduces new responsibilities for ski area operators to ensure compliance with helmet requirements and to provide protective headgear. The enforcement of these regulations is expected to reduce the risk of head injuries among young skiers and snowboarders, thereby promoting a safer skiing environment.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around Bill S03209 appears to be supportive, as indicated by the favorable vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it passed with 14 yeas to 3 nays. Discussions surrounding the bill likely emphasize the importance of safety for minors in recreational activities, although some opposition may stem from concerns about personal freedom and the financial implications for ski area operators.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between ensuring safety for minors and the potential burden placed on ski area operators to enforce helmet requirements. Some committee members may argue that the bill could impose additional costs on operators, while others strongly advocate for the necessity of protective measures to prevent serious injuries among young skiers and snowboarders.

Companion Bills

NY A10822

Same As Provides for children under the age of eighteen to wear protective headgear while skiing or snowboarding

Previously Filed As

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 S00641

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 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 A00242

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 S08843

Requires fire-resistant material applicators to undergo training and certification; imposes fines for violations.

NY H0887

Amends existing law to provide an exception for water skiing.

NY H0569

Amends existing law to provide an exception for water skiing.

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