Senate Bill S1535

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S1535

SPONSOR: RITCHIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act requiring the commissioner of economic development to conduct a
study on the economic impact of all terrain vehicle usage in this state

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This bill requires the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles
to study the economic impact of all terrain vehicle (ATV) usage in New
York State.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1. Report on economic impact of ATV use.

1. The commissioner of economic development shall, in conjunction with
the commissioner of motor vehicles, the commissioner of environmental
protection and the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic pres-
              

ervation, prepare a summary report on the economic impact of ATV use and
recreation in New York state. Such report shall include, but not limited
to, the following:
a. the number of ATV participants in New York state, including a break-
down of resident and nonresident AN participants;
b. the frequency of participation of AN owners and drivers and how much
money they spend on their activities including but not limited to
expenditures on equipment, hotels and motels, restaurants, lodges, and
camps, grocery and hardware stores, and guide services; and
c. an estimate of the number of jobs that are supported by ATV partic-
ipants as well as the amount of sales tax and income tax generated by
such participants.

2. The results of the report required by this section shall be submitted
to the governor and to the legislature, including the chairs of the
assembly ways and means committee, environmental conservation committee,
tourism, arts and sports development committee, and the economic devel-
opment committee, as well as the chairs of the senate finance committee,
environmental conservation committee, tourism, recreation and sports
development committee, and commerce, economic development and small
business committee by December 31, 2020, along with any legislative
recommendations of the commissioner of economic development to further
enhance the economic impact of ATV use.

Section 2 provides the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

All terrain vehicles (ATVs) are an important part of the economy
throughout New York State. Many businesses are based on the sale of ATVs
and related products. ATV participants travel throughout the State
providing vital support to numerous tourism related small businesses,
such as restaurants and motels. For many towns and villages in New York
State, the activity and revenue generated by ATV participants is a
substantial part of their economy.



Therefore, to gain a better understanding of the economic impact ATVs
and ATV participants have in New York State, it is important for the
State to conduct this study and issue the accompanying report.

The funding for a statewide ATV economic impact study would allow for
consumers and the public to be informed of the direct impact ATV's have
on New York state and its economy. Having this information available to
state and local officials would be important and beneficial when making
ATV related decisions.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New legislation.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Minimal.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall act effect immediately.