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A 5481

Authorizes free admission to State parks and forests for certain veterans, military personnel, first responders, and police.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vicky Flynn and 1 co-sponsor

Summary of A 5481: Authorizing Free State Park Admission for Veterans, Military, First Responders, and Police Purpose and IntentThe main purpose of this bill is to provide free adm

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · A 5481

Summary of A 5481: Authorizing Free State Park Admission for Veterans, Military, First Responders, and Police

Purpose and Intent

The main purpose of this bill is to provide free admission to New York State parks and forests for certain categories of public servants, including veterans, active military personnel, first responders, and police officers. The bill aims to honor the service and sacrifice of these groups by granting them complimentary access to the state's outdoor recreational areas.

Key Provisions

  • Allows free admission to all New York State parks, forests, historic sites, and other recreational areas operated by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for:
    • Military veterans
    • Active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces
    • Volunteer and professional firefighters
    • Emergency medical technicians (EMTs)
    • Police officers
  • Requires presentation of valid identification to receive the free admission benefit
  • Directs the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to establish procedures for verifying eligibility and providing free access

Affected Parties

The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be current and former members of the U.S. military, as well as active first responders and law enforcement officers in New York. Their families may also be able to access the free admission when accompanying the eligible individual.

The bill could have a fiscal impact on the state, as it would result in foregone revenue from park and forest entrance fees for the covered groups. However, the intent is to recognize the public service contributions of these groups.

Timeline and Procedure

A 5481 was introduced in the New York State Assembly on February 14, 2025 and has been referred to the Assembly's Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee for further consideration. If passed by the legislature and signed into law by the governor, the free admission benefits would likely take effect at the start of the next state park season.

This bill is part of a broader legislative effort, as a similar measure (A 7581) was introduced in the previous session, and a companion bill (S 802) has been put forward in the State Senate.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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