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S 4941

Requires the New York city department of sanitation to remove any snow or ice accumulation in front of any fire hydrants

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Leroy Comrie

Requires NYC DSNY to clear snow/ice from fire hydrant fronts, improving access for firefighters and potentially speeding emergency response.

REFERRED TO CITIES 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4941

Summary of S.4941 (New York)

Overview

S.4941 is a New York Senate bill introduced on February 14, 2025, sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie (primary). The bill is currently referred to the Senate Committee on Cities (REFERRRED TO CITIES 1) and has not advanced further.

What the bill would do

  • Repeats a straightforward mandate: the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) would be required to remove any snow or ice accumulation in front of fire hydrants.

Notes:
- The text provided does not specify thresholds, methods, timelines, exceptions, enforcement mechanisms, or penalties.
- The bill’s title and summary indicate a focus on accessibility of fire hydrants during snow and ice events.

Key provisions (as stated)

  • Duty of DSNY: Remove snow/ice in front of fire hydrants located in New York City.
  • No additional details in the provided content about scope, deadlines, notice requirements, or cost-sharing.

Who is affected

  • Directly: New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), which would assume the obligation to clear hydrant fronts.
  • Indirectly: Fire response operations could be improved due to clearer hydrant access; property owners and pedestrians may benefit from reduced obstruction.

Procedural status and timeline

  • Introduced: February 14, 2025.
  • Legislative action: Referred to Cities 1 on February 14, 2025 (listed twice in the record provided).
  • Current status is early in the legislative process with no indicated floor votes, amendments, or enacted language.

Related legislation

  • Related or prior-session bills include S 1134, S 6956, S 4556, S 5373, S 5508, and S 5563. These may reflect ongoing interest in hydrant access or snow removal issues and could provide context for potential future amendments.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Operational impact: DSNY would need to allocate resources to clear hydrant fronts, potentially affecting snow-removal routing and budget.
  • Public safety: Improved access to fire hydrants could enhance emergency response times during snow/ice events.
  • Fiscal considerations: No dollar amount or funding mechanism is specified in the information provided; a fiscal note would typically be considered if the bill advances.
  • Ambiguities: The lack of details on timing (e.g., how quickly after snowfall), geographic scope (all hydrants citywide or only certain zones), and enforcement remains to be clarified in the bill text.

Next steps

  • Monitor for amendments, committee votes, and eventual floor action.
  • Review the full, final bill text for precise definitions and any implementing guidelines.

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

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