New York Senate Bill S10275

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/11/26
• Refer: 5/11/26

Caption

Establishes a new system of pilotage fees for the Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound east of Execution Rocks or Sands Point.

Summary

This bill amends the Navigation Law to revise the schedule of pilotage fees charged to vessels transiting New York state waters in Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound east of Execution Rocks or Sand Point. The measure replaces the existing fee schedule with a new series of annual per-pilotage-unit rates beginning January 1, 2026 and continuing through January 1, 2032, with the fee increasing each year from $10.89 to $13.91 per pilotage unit. The bill is narrowly focused on maritime pilotage charges and does not change the underlying requirement that vessels use pilotage in the covered waters. Its practical effect is to increase the cost of transiting the affected sound waters over time for vessel operators subject to the fee schedule, while updating the statutory rates in section 89-b of the Navigation Law. The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Impact

The bill amends section 89-b of the Navigation Law, specifically the pilotage fee schedule applicable to vessels in Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound east of Execution Rocks/Sand Point. It would supersede the current statutory rates and establish a new graduated fee structure through 2032, directly affecting vessel operators, shipping interests, and pilotage-related revenue collection in the region.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no documented debate or recorded sentiment in the materials supplied. Based on the text alone, the bill appears administrative and rate-setting in nature rather than controversial on its face, but it would likely be of interest to maritime stakeholders because it increases fees over time.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the available context. Potential areas of concern, if raised, would likely involve vessel operators and maritime industry representatives objecting to higher pilotage costs, while pilotage authorities or related state interests may support the updated fee schedule as a revenue adjustment. However, no actual positions are recorded in the provided materials.