BILL NUMBER:  S7430

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law in
relation to authorizing persons under the age of fourteen to
participate in special events involving snowmobiles


 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :
This bill would amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
(PRHP) by allowing a person who is less than fourteen years of age to
operate a snowmobile as a participant in a special event (as defined
in Section 21.05 of PRHP Law) provided that: the special event is held
in accordance with any relevant statutes, rules and regulations; the
PRHP commissioner authorized the event; he/she obtains written consent
of his or her parent or legal guardian; and the PRHP Commissioner
adopts rules and regulations relating to such participants. The PRHP
Commissioner must review and consider those rules and regulations
published by internal organizations that promote such events,
including but not limited to, the International Series of Champions
and the International Snowmobile Racing Association.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :
This act would permit youngsters who are less than 14 years of age to
participate in special events for snowmobiles.

              

 JUSTIFICATION :
This bill is to bring New York's Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation law up to date with current practices for persons who are
under 14 years of age to participate in special events for snowmobiles
(known as snocross). The two international organizations that create
the rules for snocross permit youngsters as young as four to
participate in the programs. Eligibility requirements for special
events would have rules established by the OPRHP Commissioner and
would be conducted in accordance with those rules and permit
requirements. The international groups operate programs to teach
youngsters what is involved in a weekend of racing, sportsmanship, and
proper snowmobile operations and safety. The program eligibility would
be similar to those already in practice for motocross, including age
requirements.

By changing the age eligibility, snocross would have similar age
requirements as motocross, ATVs and motorcycles. The governing body
for each sport has determined the age requirements for participation
to ensure learning and training, and appropriate appreciation for the
sport. A snocross event can generate in excess of $150,000 for the
area that hosts the event.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
New bill.

 IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS :
Provides economic opportunities for the communities where events are
held.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
Immediately.