Senator Gallivan Announces Senate Passage of Legislation Giving Local Leaders More Authority During a State of Emergency

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) says the New York State Senate has approved a bill  (S6269) that would give county executives, city and village mayors, town supervisors and other municipal chief executives the authority to designate any vehicle as an emergency vehicle during a declared state of emergency.  Local leaders could exercise the authority in the event of a state of emergency declared by the governor or other local official. 

“When weather related emergencies or other disasters strike, it’s critical that local leaders have the tools and resources in place to deliver emergency services and keep residents safe,” Gallivan said.  “County executives, mayors and supervisors are in the best position to determine the immediate needs of their community and this legislation will give them the authority to designate emergency vehicles as needed.” 

The bill give local leaders the ability to designate emergency vehicles even in a governor declared state of emergency, such as the one declared in November 2014 when up to seven feet of snow fell across Western New York.  Fourteen counties were included in the declaration, including Erie, Wyoming, Livingston, Monroe, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua.

The bill is sponsored in the Assembly by Assembly Member Michael Kearns.

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