Senate Bill S6645B

2023-2024 Legislative Session

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

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Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Transportation Committee

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Delivered to Governor
Signed By Governor

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Actions

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Date of Action	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
May 21, 2024	print number 6645b
May 21, 2024	amend and recommit to transportation
Apr 04, 2024	print number 6645a
Apr 04, 2024	amend (t) and recommit to transportation
Jan 03, 2024	referred to transportation
May 03, 2023	referred to transportation

Bill Amendments

Original

B (Active)

co-Sponsors

2023-S6645 - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A6136
Current Committee:: Senate Transportation
Law Section:: Public Authorities Law
Laws Affected:: Amd §378-a, Pub Auth L
Versions Introduced in 2025-2026 Legislative Session:: S31, A34

2023-S6645 - Summary

Provides that the thruway authority shall issue permits for ambulances and fire vehicles exempting such vehicles from paying tolls on the thruway when engaged in an emergency operation.

2023-S6645 - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S6645

SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to exempting
ambulances and emergency medical services vehicles from paying tolls on
the New York state thruway when engaged in an emergency operation

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This legislation requires the thruway authority to issue emergency
services permits to emergency medical services vehicles, as is already
done for fire vehicles, which would exempt such vehicles from paying
tolls while engaged in an emergency operation.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Amends section 378-a of the public authorities law, in
relation to requiring the thruway authority to issue emergency services
permits for certain emergency vehicles, exempting such vehicles from
tolls; adds emergency medical services vehicles to the vehicles covered;

defines "emergency medical services vehicles" for the purposes of this
provision.

Section 2. Sets effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The New York State Thruway Authority currently issues emergency services
permits to fire vehicles which exempt such vehicles from paying tolls
while they are engaged in an emergency operation. This is a great idea,
however, this exemption is not currently given to emergency medical
services vehicles. EMS agencies are currently allowed to apply for
reimbursement for toll expenses, but the process is often complicated,
lengthy, and costly, leading many agencies to the conclusion that it is
not worth it to apply for reimbursement.  Because of the costs associ-
ated with tolls, some EMS agencies find ways to avoid the thruway, which
increases response times. No New Yorker's life should be put at risk
because an emergency services vehicle is unable to reach them in time
because of tolls. Requiring such an exemption would save our EMS agen-
cies money while they are in the process of saving lives.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

Minimal, as charges are already reimbursable.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

2023-S6645 - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                   6645
 
                        2023-2024 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                                May 3, 2023
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sen.  COMRIE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation
 
 AN ACT to amend the public authorities law,  in  relation  to  exempting
   ambulances  and  emergency medical services vehicles from paying tolls
   on the New York state thruway when engaged in an emergency operation

   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1.  Section  378-a of the public authorities law, as added by
 chapter 23 of the laws of 2010, is amended to read as follows:
   § 378-a. Emergency service permits. 1. The authority is hereby author-
 ized and directed to [issue refunds for tolls incurred by ambulances  or
 fire  vehicles  engaged  in an emergency operation, or, at the option of
 the authority, to] issue emergency services permits  for  use  by  ambu-
 lances,  EMERGENCY  MEDICAL  SERVICES  VEHICLES, and fire vehicles which
 shall provide for travel at no charge between interchanges and  barriers
 while  such vehicles are engaged in an emergency operation. For purposes
 of this section, the term "ambulance" shall have  the  same  meaning  as
 such term is defined by section one hundred-b of the vehicle and traffic
 law, the term "fire vehicle" shall have the same meaning as such term is
 defined by section one hundred fifteen-a of the vehicle and traffic law,
 and  the  term "emergency operation" shall have the same meaning as such
 term is defined by section one hundred fourteen-b  of  the  vehicle  and
 traffic  law.  FOR  THE  PURPOSES  OF  THIS SECTION, THE TERM "EMERGENCY
 MEDICAL SERVICES VEHICLE" SHALL MEAN  AN  APPROPRIATELY  EQUIPPED  MOTOR
 VEHICLE  OWNED  OR  OPERATED  BY AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AGENCY AS
 DEFINED IN SECTION THREE THOUSAND ONE OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW AND  USED
 FOR  THE  PURPOSE OF TRANSPORTING EMERGENCY MEDICAL PERSONNEL AND EQUIP-
 MENT TO SICK OR INJURED PERSONS. In any rules and regulations promulgat-
 ed for the implementation of this section, the authority  may  establish
 the  type  of documentation or other proof satisfactory to the authority
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD10280-03-3
 S. 6645                             2

 
 that an ambulance or fire vehicle was engaged in an emergency  operation
 at the time a toll was incurred.
   2. If, upon the completion of an audit conducted by a certified public
 accountant selected by the authority, the authority can demonstrate that
 the issuance of [refunds or] permits as authorized in subdivision one of
 this  section causes a significant loss of revenue to the authority, the
 authority is authorized, pursuant to a resolution of the board, to offer
 such [refunds or] permits at a discount  of  the  cash  cost  per  mile;
 provided,  however,  that, prior to such board resolution, the authority
 shall hold at least two public hearings, at a time  and  location  which
 will,  to  the  extent  practicable,  maximize  the participation of the
 general public.
   § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

co-Sponsors

View additional co-sponsors

2023-S6645A - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A6136
Current Committee:: Senate Transportation
Law Section:: Public Authorities Law
Laws Affected:: Amd §378-a, Pub Auth L
Versions Introduced in 2025-2026 Legislative Session:: S31, A34

2023-S6645A - Summary

Provides that the thruway authority shall issue permits for ambulances and fire vehicles exempting such vehicles from paying tolls on the thruway when engaged in an emergency operation.

2023-S6645A - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S6645A

SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the issuance
of permits to exempt ambulances and fire vehicles from paying tolls on
the New York state thruway when engaged in an emergency operation

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This legislation requires the thruway authority to issue emergency
services permits to ambulance and fire vehicles, which would exempt such
vehicles from paying tolls while, engaged in an emergency operation.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Amends section 378-a of the public authorities law, in
relation to requiring the thruway authority to issue emergency services
permits for certain emergency vehicles, exempting such vehicles from
tolls.

Section 2. Sets effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The New York State Thruway Authority currently issues emergency services
permits to fire vehicles which exempt such vehicles from paying tolls
while they are engaged in an emergency. operation. This is a great idea,
however, this exemption is not currently automatically given to ambu-
lances. EMS agencies are currently allowed to apply for reimbursement
for toll expenses, but the process is often complicated, lengthy, and
costly, leading many agencies to the conclusion that it is not worth it
to apply for reimbursement.  Because of the costs associated with tolls,
some EMS agencies find ways to avoid the thruway, which increases
response times. No New Yorker's life should be put at risk because an
emergency services vehicle is unable to reach them in time because of
tolls. Requiring such an exemption would save our EMS agencies money
while they are in the process of saving lives.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

Minimal, as charges are already reimbursable.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

2023-S6645A - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  6645--A
 
                        2023-2024 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                                May 3, 2023
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by Sens. COMRIE, BORRELLO -- read twice and ordered printed,
   and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation --
   recommitted to the Committee  on  Transportation  in  accordance  with
   Senate  Rule  6, sec. 8 -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered
   reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee

 AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the  issuance
   of permits to exempt ambulances and fire vehicles from paying tolls on
   the New York state thruway when engaged in an emergency operation
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. Section 378-a of the public authorities law,  as  added  by
 chapter 23 of the laws of 2010, is amended to read as follows:
   § 378-a. Emergency service permits. 1. The authority is hereby author-
 ized  and directed to [issue refunds for tolls incurred by ambulances or
 fire vehicles engaged in an emergency operation, or, at  the  option  of
 the  authority,  to]  issue  emergency services permits for use by ambu-
 lances and fire vehicles which shall provide for  travel  at  no  charge
 between  interchanges and barriers while such vehicles are engaged in an
 emergency operation. For purposes of this section, the term  "ambulance"
 shall  have  the  same  meaning  as  such term is defined by section one
 hundred-b of the vehicle and traffic law, the term "fire vehicle"  shall
 have  the  same  meaning  as such term is defined by section one hundred
 fifteen-a of the vehicle and traffic law, and the term "emergency opera-
 tion" shall have the same meaning as such term is defined by section one
 hundred fourteen-b of the vehicle and traffic  law.  In  any  rules  and
 regulations  promulgated  for  the  implementation  of this section, the
 authority may establish the type of documentation or other proof  satis-
 factory  to  the authority that an ambulance or fire vehicle was engaged
 in an emergency operation at the time a toll was incurred.
   2. If, upon the completion of an audit conducted by a certified public
 accountant selected by the authority, the authority can demonstrate that
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD10280-05-4

 S. 6645--A                          2
 
 the issuance of [refunds or] permits as authorized in subdivision one of
 this section causes a significant loss of revenue to the authority,  the
 authority is authorized, pursuant to a resolution of the board, to offer
 such  [refunds  or]  permits  at  a  discount of the cash cost per mile;
 provided, however, that, prior to such board resolution,  the  authority
 shall  hold  at  least two public hearings, at a time and location which
 will, to the extent  practicable,  maximize  the  participation  of  the
 general public.
   § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

co-Sponsors

View additional co-sponsors

2023-S6645B (ACTIVE) - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A6136
Current Committee:: Senate Transportation
Law Section:: Public Authorities Law
Laws Affected:: Amd §378-a, Pub Auth L
Versions Introduced in 2025-2026 Legislative Session:: S31, A34

2023-S6645B (ACTIVE) - Summary

Provides that the thruway authority shall issue permits for ambulances and fire vehicles exempting such vehicles from paying tolls on the thruway when engaged in an emergency operation.

2023-S6645B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S6645B

SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the issuance
of permits to exempt ambulances and fire vehicles from paying tolls on
the New York state thruway when engaged in an emergency operation

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This legislation requires the thruway authority to issue emergency
services permits to ambulance and fire vehicles, which would exempt such
vehicles from paying tolls while, engaged in an emergency operation.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Amends section 378-a of the public authorities law, in
relation to requiring the thruway authority to issue emergency services
permits for certain emergency vehicles, exempting such vehicles from
tolls.

Section 2. Sets effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The New York State Thruway Authority currently issues emergency services
permits to fire vehicles which exempt such vehicles from paying tolls
while they are engaged in an emergency. operation. This is a great idea,
however, this exemption is not currently automatically given to ambu-
lances. EMS agencies are currently allowed to apply for reimbursement
for toll expenses, but the process is often complicated, lengthy, and
costly, leading many agencies to the conclusion that it is not worth it
to apply for reimbursement.  Because of the costs associated with tolls,
some EMS agencies find ways to avoid the thruway, which increases
response times. No New Yorker's life should be put at risk because an
emergency services vehicle is unable to reach them in time because of
tolls. Requiring such an exemption would save our EMS agencies money
while they are in the process of saving lives.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

Minimal, as charges are already reimbursable.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

2023-S6645B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  6645--B
 
                        2023-2024 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                                May 3, 2023
                                ___________
 
 Introduced by Sens. COMRIE, BORRELLO, MATTERA, OBERACKER, PALUMBO, ROLI-
   SON,  WEBER,  WEIK -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed
   to be committed to the Committee on Transportation --  recommitted  to
   the Committee on Transportation in accordance with Senate Rule 6, sec.
   8  -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended
   and recommitted  to  said  committee  --  committee  discharged,  bill
   amended,  ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said commit-
   tee
 
 AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the  issuance
   of permits to exempt ambulances and fire vehicles from paying tolls on
   the New York state thruway when engaged in an emergency operation
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 378-a of  the  public  authorities
 law,  as  added by chapter 23 of the laws of 2010, is amended to read as
 follows:
   1. The authority is hereby authorized and directed to  [issue  refunds
 for tolls incurred by ambulances or fire vehicles engaged in an emergen-
 cy  operation,  or,  at the option of the authority, to] issue emergency
 services permits for use by ambulances and  fire  vehicles  which  shall
 provide  for travel at no charge between interchanges and barriers while
 such vehicles are engaged in an emergency operation, PROVIDED  THAT  THE
 AUTHORITY IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO ISSUE REFUNDS FOR TOLLS INCURRED
 BY  SUCH  AMBULANCES AND FIRE VEHICLES ENGAGED IN AN EMERGENCY OPERATION
 WHILE THE APPLICABLE APPLICATION FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES PERMITS IS PEND-
 ING.  THE AUTHORITY SHALL PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS  ESTABLISHING
 THE  PROCESS  BY  WHICH  SUCH AMBULANCES AND FIRE VEHICLES CAN APPLY FOR
 EMERGENCY SERVICES PERMITS. For  purposes  of  this  section,  the  term
 "ambulance"  shall  have  the  same  meaning  as such term is defined by
 section one hundred-b of the vehicle and traffic  law,  the  term  "fire
 vehicle"  shall have the same meaning as such term is defined by section
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD10280-07-4

 S. 6645--B                          2
 
 one hundred fifteen-a of the vehicle  and  traffic  law,  and  the  term
 "emergency  operation"  shall  have  the  same  meaning  as such term is
 defined by section one hundred fourteen-b of  the  vehicle  and  traffic
 law.  In any rules and regulations promulgated for the implementation of
 this section, the authority may establish the type of  documentation  or
 other  proof  satisfactory  to  the  authority that an ambulance or fire
 vehicle was engaged in an emergency operation at the  time  a  toll  was
 incurred.
   § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

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Senate Bill S6645B

Sponsored By

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Transportation Committee

Actions

Bill Amendments

co-Sponsors

2023-S6645 - Details

2023-S6645 - Summary

2023-S6645 - Sponsor Memo

2023-S6645 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2023-S6645A - Details

2023-S6645A - Summary

2023-S6645A - Sponsor Memo

2023-S6645A - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2023-S6645B (ACTIVE) - Details

2023-S6645B (ACTIVE) - Summary

2023-S6645B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2023-S6645B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments

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Sponsored By

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Transportation Committee

Actions

Bill Amendments

co-Sponsors

2023-S6645 - Details

2023-S6645 - Summary

2023-S6645 - Sponsor Memo

2023-S6645 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2023-S6645A - Details

2023-S6645A - Summary

2023-S6645A - Sponsor Memo

2023-S6645A - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2023-S6645B (ACTIVE) - Details

2023-S6645B (ACTIVE) - Summary

2023-S6645B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2023-S6645B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments