BILL NUMBER: S7242

SPONSOR: SERINO
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in
relation to installing Lyme and tick-borne disease warning signs at all
state-managed parks

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

The purpose of this bill is to reduce Lyme and other tick-borne disease
infection rates by posting tick warning signs at state parks, including
trail entryways and campgrounds.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

The bill adds a new section 13.28 to the parks, recreation and historic
preservation law directing the New York State Office of Parks, Recre-
ation and Historic Preservation to install and maintain tick warning
signs at all state-managed parks, including trail entryways and camp-
              

grounds. The signs will inform the public that ticks may be found in
such areas and that they can spread Lyme or other tick borne diseases.
The office may use models already in use when determining the design and
content of the signs.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

New York boasts more than 2,000 miles of mapped trails in state parks
and historic sites. These parks are often a favorite destination for New
Yorkers, as well as visitors coming from out of state, with visitors of
state parks and historic sites totaling nearly 70 million in 2016-a 6%
increase over 2015, and a 21% increase from six years prior. Attracting
visitors to these parks is vital for many upstate communities and the
upstate economy. Unfortunately, New York's parks attract more than just
tourists; they are also home to ticks that can spread Lyme and other
tick-borne diseases (TBDs).

While New Yorkers and tourists should continue enjoying all the parks
our state has to offer, it is important that they are aware of the risks
so they can take appropriate precautions, such as wearing pants and
long-sleeved clothing, avoiding dense woods and bushy areas, and check-
ing for ticks after hiking. Lyme and other TBDs are much rarer in most
other states, and within New York have traditionally been limited to the
Hudson Valley and Long Island, although the epidemic has been expanding
geographically. As such, visitors from areas out of the area may be
unaware of the risks posed by ticks. At a hearing on Lyme and TBDs held
by the State Senate Standing Committee on Lyme and Tick Borne Diseases,
in conjunction with the Committee on Health, the Commissioner of the
Department of Health pointed out that there are more than 9,000 cases of
tick-borne diseases in New York State reported to the Department each
year, and it is estimated that this is an underestimation of the true
number of infections. This legislation is one of a package of bills
aimed at a multi-prong approach of prevention, treatment, and education.
By posting warning signs in state parks at trail entryways and camp-
grounds, we can help ensure that residents and visitors can continue to
enjoy our parks safely and reduce the spread of tick-borne diseases.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

TBD

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
90 days after enactment, provided that any rule or regulation needed to
implement the provisions of the bill may be made immediately.