Assembly Bill A10363

                                BILL NUMBER:A10363

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation
to authorizing certain businesses to issue registration certificates and
to assign registration numbers to snowmobiles

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL: To allow certain businesses the ability
to  act  as  a  agent of the Department of Motor Vehicles by registering
out-of-state snowmobiles.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS: The bill will amend Section 2222 of  the
Vehicle and Traffic Law by adding a new subdivision 2-a to:

1.  Authorize  the Commissioner to direct and promulgate rules and regu-
lations permitting certain businesses the ability to issue  registration
certificates and assign registration numbers;

2. Require the Commissioner to create and application process where such
businesses may apply;

3.  Provides  that  the  County  Clerk of where such business is located
shall have the power to directly approve or deny an application.

JUSTIFICATION: Out-of-state snowmobilers generate a  significant  amount
of  revenue for localities. In Oswego County alone, it is estimated that
snowmobiling generates $27 million in revenue  for  the  local  economy.
              

Much  of this revenue comes from out-of-state snowmobile enthusiasts. In
order to drive a snowmobile in New York State,  it  must  be  registered
with the DMV. Unfortunately, however, most DMV offices are closed on the
weekend when most snowmobilers travel to the area.

Last  year,  the  DMV  instituted a new directive that authorizes County
Clerks the option to operate extended hours on the weekend or to  deploy
mobile  offices  to  site locations. While these options are reasonable,
they come at a cost to the locality, As a result of the  economic  down-
turn,  many  counties  simply  do  not have the extra revenue to provide
these services.

As with fishing and bunting licenses, permitting certain businesses  the
ability  to  issue  registration  will  provide  a  less costly and more
convenient solution to this problem. It would not create ongoing operat-
ing expenses for the local county and will  make  New  York  state  more
hospitable to out-of-state travelers.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: None.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: To be determined.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it
shall have become law.