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Bill

S 6071

Creates the "Pennies for Parks" program providing funds for capital expenditures at state parks and historic sites; imposes a fee on single use plastic carryout bags

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Parker

New York bill creates park funding through single-use plastic bag fees, linking environmental policy with state parks capital improvements.

REFERRED TO CULTURAL AFFAIRS, TOURISM, PARKS AND RECREATION
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Bill Summary · S 6071

Legislative bill overview

S 6071 establishes the "Pennies for Parks" program to fund capital improvements and infrastructure projects at New York's state parks and historic sites. The bill finances this initiative by imposing a fee on single-use plastic carryout bags, creating a direct revenue stream for park maintenance and development.

Why is this important

State parks and historic sites face chronic underfunding for necessary repairs, renovations, and facility upgrades. This bill attempts to address that gap through a dedicated revenue mechanism while simultaneously discouraging plastic bag consumption, linking environmental and recreation policy goals.

Potential points of contention

  • Regressive taxation concerns: Bag fees disproportionately impact lower-income households that may lack alternatives, raising equity questions about funding public amenities through consumer fees on everyday items
  • Implementation complexity: Retailers must enforce the fee system, raising compliance and administration costs that could be passed to consumers or absorbed as business expenses
  • Revenue predictability: Reliance on bag fee revenue depends on consumer behavior; as usage declines (the intended goal), funding becomes unstable and inadequate for long-term park commitments
  • Existing plastic bag laws: New York already has local plastic bag restrictions in some areas; this bill's interaction with existing regulations and whether it preempts local rules needs clarification

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

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