BILL NUMBER: S4530

SPONSOR: SCARCELLA-SPANTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to exempting
active duty military members who reside in a city with a population of
one million or more from E-ZPass tolls

 
PURPOSE:

The purpose of this bill is to provide toll exemptions for active duty
military personnel who often have to travel throughout New York City for
healthcare needs and military service requirements.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Section 2855 of the public authorities law, as added by
section 1 of part KK of chapter of the laws of 2006, is amended to allow
any authority to exempt all military members in active military service
of the United States, as defined by section one of the military law, who
reside in a city with a population of one million or more using a New
              

York customer service E-ZPass account for travel within the state from
the payment of any tolls therefor; provided, however, that such
exemption shall not apply to trips made by vehicles that are used for
commercial purposes. Application for such toll exemption shall be made
in such manner as shall be prescribed by the New York E-ZPass customer
service center or successor entity and shall contain such information as
such entity may require.

The provisions of paragraph (a) of this subdivision shall also apply to
spouses and dependent children of all military members in active mili-
tary service of the United States who reside in a city with a population
of one million or more, if such family members reside in the same house-
hold as such military members.

Section 2. This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it
shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment
and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation
of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and
completed on or before such effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Current New York Military Law grants free passage through bridges,
tunnels and toll booths and ferries for members belonging to branches of
the New York Military Force when they are traveling on official govern-
ment business. It includes; New York National Guard, New York Air
National Guard, New York Naval Militia & New York Guard.

Members of the New York Military Force have used government vehicles
with E-ZPass. Alternatively, use a special government pass called a "Tag
9". Prior to cashless toll implementation, the toll booth operator would
stamp it and the toll would be waived. The passes will not work with new
gantries, which will replace toll booths along the NYS Thruway by the
end of 2020.

Service members who use their own private vehicles have ended up paying
a lot more. These tolls add up. Especially if you have to go to a mili-
tary base downstate or wherever the case may be. It can add up to
hundreds of dollars.

Active military members using personal vehicles are often on their way
to military bases with orders in hand, traveling throughout New York
City seeking accessible medical and mental healthcare. This legislation
is set to assure that active military, using their own vehicles should
not be charged even if the only solution they can give them is being
reimbursed.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2024; Held in Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Senate
Committee.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Yet to be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or
repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of
this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed
on or before such an effective date.