BILL NUMBER: S8979

SPONSOR: PERSAUD
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to requiring
electric vehicle charging stations and electric vehicle capable parking
spaces to accommodate wheelchair accessible electric vehicles

 
PURPOSE:

To require electric vehicle charging stations and electric vehicle capa-
ble parking spaces to accommodate wheelchair accessible vehicles.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 of the bill amends subdivision 9-a of section 1005 of the
public authorities law to require electric vehicle charging stations to
include spaces that are large enough to accommodate wheelchair accessi-
ble electric vehicles, including but not limited to, vans and minivans.

Section 2 of the bill sets the effective date.
              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Electronic vehicles (EV'S) are becoming increasingly popular as New
Yorkers begin to conform to New York's climate goals and mandates; EV
charging stations should be accessible to all our state's citizens.
That is not the case for those individuals with disabilities and their
need for larger charging spaces depending on the type of vehicle. Just
as there are designated spaces for ADA accessible parking for gas driven
vehicles there should also be safe, easy access to EV charging stations
for wheelchair accessible vehicles.  The spaces should be labeled as ADA
accessible EV charging stations and be large enough to accommodate the,
vehicles used by New Yorkers with disabilities.

Many car dealers maintain the EV charging stations themselves (Tesla)
but have also encourage property owners (shopping centers, office
complexes etc.) to add these charging spaces. Currently, there is no
designation of ADA accessible EV charging spaces that are set aside and
those who are driving ADA accessible vehicles are left to hope that the
end of each station row is accessible. Too often, that is not the case.
This bill seeks to give priority usage of the end spaces to drivers with
disabilities.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPACT ON THE STATE:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have
become a law.