New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05400

Introduced
2/21/25  
Refer
2/21/25  
Engrossed
4/30/25  
Refer
4/30/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Engrossed
3/24/26  

Caption

Exempts operators of law enforcement and fire department vessels from laws which regulate vessels on the navigable waters of the state while such operators are in the course of responding to emergencies.

Summary

Bill S05400 amends the navigation law to provide an exemption for operators of law enforcement and fire department vessels from certain regulations while responding to emergencies on navigable waters in New York State. The bill allows these operators to disregard laws governing vessel movement, provided they are using audible signals and displaying appropriate lights to indicate their emergency status. This exemption is intended to facilitate quicker responses to emergencies without the constraints of standard navigation laws.

Impact

The enactment of this bill will modify existing navigation laws to enhance the operational capabilities of law enforcement and fire department vessels during emergencies. Specifically, it allows these operators to prioritize emergency response over compliance with certain navigational regulations. However, it maintains the requirement for operators to act with due regard for the safety of all persons, ensuring that reckless behavior is not condoned under the new provisions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S05400 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as indicated by the unanimous votes in both committee and floor sessions. The support from various stakeholders suggests a recognition of the importance of enabling emergency responders to act swiftly in critical situations without legal hindrances.

Contention

There were no notable points of contention during the discussions or voting on this bill. The unanimous support from committee votes and the final passage in the Senate indicates a consensus on the necessity of the bill for enhancing emergency response capabilities.

Companion Bills

NY A04658

Same As Exempts operators of law enforcement and fire department vessels from laws which regulate vessels on the navigable waters of the state while such operators are in the course of responding to emergencies.

Previously Filed As

NY S04026

Exempts operators of law enforcement and fire department vessels from laws which regulate vessels on the navigable waters of the state while such operators are in the course of responding to emergencies.

NY A04658

Exempts operators of law enforcement and fire department vessels from laws which regulate vessels on the navigable waters of the state while such operators are in the course of responding to emergencies.

NY A10934

Eliminates provisions of law that require the payment and subsequent refund of the ten cent diesel excise tax and sales tax on diesel motor fuel when sold to operators of commercial fishing vessels for use in the operation of such vessels.

NY SB117

Exempting certain physicians from specified traffic laws when responding to emergencies

NY SB620

Exempting certain physicians from specified traffic laws when responding to emergencies

NY S0367

Abandoned Vessels, Derelict Vessels, and Sunken Vessels

NY S07478

Relates to the regulation of exhaust gas cleaning systems on vessels and provides enforcement mechanisms and remedies for violations; relates to the powers of the department of environmental conservation.

NY S09698

Relates to the regulation of exhaust gas cleaning systems on vessels and provides enforcement mechanisms and remedies for violations; relates to the powers of the department of environmental conservation.

NY S1388

Vessels

NY H1001

Vessels

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.