BILL NUMBER:  S611

 TITLE OF BILL :

An act in relation to the reimbursement of tolls for highways, bridges
or tunnels for all vehicles registered to the American Red Cross in
the event of an emergency


 PURPOSE :

Provides that tolls for Red Cross vehicles for access to highways,
bridges and tunnels during an emergency are suspended.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section one. Notwithstanding any law, rule or regulation to the
contrary, any tolls or charges for ingress or egress to highways,
bridges or tunnels within the state shall be suspended for vehicles
registered to the American Red Cross.

Section two. Reimbursement shall only be granted for tolls incurred by
vehicles registered to the American Red Cross while responding to
emergencies. The executive director of the New York state American Red
Cross shall certify that applications for reimbursement pursuant to
this act, only include toll expenses incurred as a result of
              

responding to such emergencies.

Section three. The comptroller shall promulgate rules and regulations
to implement the provisions of this act.

Section four is an immediate effective date.

 JUSTIFICATION :

Second responders, such as the American Red Cross, play an important
role in protecting the health and welfare of the residents of New York
and citizens of the United States. Responding quickly to disasters
that have been declared by government officials should not be hindered
by paying tolls that make response times greater and put people's
lives at risk. When New York City was attacked by terrorists on
September 11, 2001, Red Cross vehicles were required to pay tolls for
the use of bridges and tunnels in the New York City area. These tolls
slowed down their ability to provide emergency response services to
the public. This bill would suspend tolls for such vehicles during a
declared disaster emergency. This measure will help the Red Cross
provide valuable life saving services to the people of New York.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

2008: S.5710 - Referred to Transportation/A.8493 - Referred to
Transportation
2007:  S.5710 - Referred to Transportation/A.8493 - Referred to
Transportation

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

Undetermined.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
Immediately.