Legislation would guide removal of disruptive campers

Legislation sponsored by State Senator Betty Little that would provide legal guidance for the removal of disruptive guests from campgrounds passed the Senate today.

 

“Hotels and motels have an eviction process, but campgrounds don’t,” said Little.

 

“Although not a frequent occurrence, sometimes a bad actor can ruin the experience for other campers enjoying a nice time and the only resolution is removing that person from the property.  For everyone’s sake, it’s better to have a process in place when that becomes necessary.”

 

Little said the legislation (S.1342) would add a new section to the Real Property Law to define campgrounds and campground owner and provide for the removal of persons from a campground who, among other things, creates a disturbance or violates a law.  The proposed law also would provide for the return of pre-paid fees and the disposal of property belonging of persons who are removed from a campground or abandon property on a campground.

 

A person remaining on the campground could be guilty of trespass and removed by law enforcement.

 

The legislation is supported by the Campground Owners of New York (CONY).  A companion bill is sponsored by Assemblyman Steve Englebright of Long Island.

 

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