WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 10037

Provides that the thruway authority shall issue permits for ambulances and fire vehicles for toll exemptions

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Angelino and 48 co-sponsors

Allows Thruway to issue emergency services permits exempting ambulances and fire vehicles from tolls during active emergencies on the Thruway.

REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS
1
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 10037

Summary of Bill A10037 (2025-2026) – New York

Overview

  • Bill Number: A10037
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: New York
  • Primary Purpose: Amend the Public Authorities Law to authorize the Thruway Authority to issue permits that exempt ambulances and fire vehicles from tolls on the New York State Thruway when they are engaged in emergency operations.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • To provide toll exemptions for emergency response vehicles (ambulances and fire vehicles) while they are actively engaged in an emergency operation on the Thruway.
  • The change shifts the mechanism from (or alongside) toll refunds to issuing emergency services permits that authorize toll-free travel between interchanges and barriers during emergencies.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Section 378-a (Public Authorities Law) – Amendments:

    • The Thruway Authority is authorized and directed to issue emergency services permits for ambulances and fire vehicles.
    • These permits allow travel on the Thruway at no charge between interchanges and barriers while the vehicle is engaged in an emergency operation.
    • The Authority may still provide refunds for tolls incurred by ambulances and fire vehicles engaged in an emergency operation while the application for a permit is pending.
    • The Authority shall promulgate rules and regulations establishing the application process for emergency services permits.
    • Definitions:
    • “Ambulance” follows the definition in Vehicle and Traffic Law §1-100.
    • “Fire vehicle” follows the definition in Vehicle and Traffic Law §115-a.
    • “Emergency operation” follows the definition in Vehicle and Traffic Law §114-b.
    • Regulations may specify documentation or proof required to establish that a vehicle was engaged in an emergency operation when a toll was incurred.

  • Effective Date: Immediate (takes effect upon enactment).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Ambulances and fire vehicles operating on the New York State Thruway during emergency operations.
  • Thruway Authority (as administrator of tolls and the permit program) and affiliated law/regulatory processes.
  • Eligible emergency medical services and fire departments that operate emergency response vehicles on the Thruway.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: January 30, 2026; referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions.
  • Process: The bill directs the Thruway Authority to establish an application process for emergency services permits and to promulgate rules/regulations governing permit issuance and acceptable proof of emergency operation.
  • Implementation: Once enacted, the Authority would begin issuing permits and/or processing refunds as applicable under the new framework.

Practical Impact and Considerations

  • Administrative: Requires the Thruway Authority to develop, publish, and manage a formal permit system and related documentation standards.
  • Financial: Shifts or supplements toll exemptions from refunds (existing practice) to a permit mechanism; exact fiscal impact would depend on permit utilization and regulatory rules.
  • Operational: Expected to streamline toll exemptions for responders, potentially reducing delays for emergency vehicles and improving response times on the Thruway.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to current toll refund practices or summarize related provisions in the Vehicle and Traffic Law references cited.

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

Sign in to ask a question.