Relates to increasing the authorized reimbursement rate paid to governmental entities for enforcement of navigation laws

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Bendett and 3 co-sponsors

Increases the state's reimbursement rate to government agencies for enforcing navigation laws, boosting funding and capacity for waterway enforcement.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION

Overview

Bill Number: A 3500

Title: Relates to increasing the authorized reimbursement rate paid to governmental entities for enforcement of navigation laws

Status: Referred to Transportation

Introduced: January 28, 2025

Primary Sponsor: Matthew Simpson

Cosponsors: Scott H. Bendett, Joe DeStefano, Keith Brown

Senate Companion: S 2012 (companion bill)

Related Bills (prior sessions): A 2709, A 9366, A 4803, A 4932, A 3109

What the bill would do

The bill would increase the authorized reimbursement rate that the state pays to governmental entities for enforcing navigation laws. Navigation laws typically relate to the regulation and safety of activities on navigable waters.

Exact details such as the new rate amount, eligible enforcement activities, and the mechanisms for determining and adjusting the reimbursement are not provided in the summary. These specifics would appear in the full text of the bill.

Key provisions (as inferred from the title and summary)

Scope of reimbursement: Reimbursement payments to governmental entities (likely local or regional law enforcement or related authorities) for enforcing navigation-related laws.

Rate adjustment: A statutory increase to the maximum reimbursement rate; the bill would define how the new rate is calculated and applied.

Eligible activities: Enforcement actions on navigable waters that qualify for reimbursement (e.g., patrols, inspections, citations) would be defined in the bill.

Funding and processes: Provisions would specify funding sources, timelines, and any administrative processes required to administer the increased reimbursements.

Effective date: The summary does not specify an effective date; the bill text would indicate when the rate increase takes effect.

Who would be affected

Governmental entities responsible for enforcing navigation laws (likely local police, harbor/patrol units, and other municipal or county agencies with waterway enforcement authority).

State and local governments administering navigation enforcement programs, including budgeting and reimbursement administration.

Individuals and entities operating on navigable waters might experience indirect effects through enforcement funding and activity levels, though the bill primarily concerns reimbursement to enforcement agencies.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Current stage: Referred to the Transportation Committee in the Assembly.

Next steps: The bill would move through committee scrutiny, potential amendments, and floor consideration. The companion Senate bill (S 2012) indicates cross-chamber interest and may influence timing or alignment if both chambers act.

Potential implications

If enacted, the bill could result in higher state reimbursement outlays to municipalities for navigation-law enforcement.

Could improve enforcement capacity and resources for waterway safety and compliance.

Requires accompanying budget authorization or appropriations and clear administrative guidelines to implement the higher rate.

Notes for readers

For precise figures, eligibility criteria, and effective dates, consult the full text of A 3500 and any amendments filed during committee consideration. The existence of Senate companion S 2012 and several related prior-session bills suggests ongoing interest in funding and support for navigation-law enforcement.

Bill