Transportation

passed · New York · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 4980: Relates to the preservation of regionally significant projects with respect to agencies drawing on funds for new building projects

This bill expands existing law to protect "regionally significant projects" when state agencies fund new building projects. It directly affects state agencies using public funds for construction, ensuring projects that attract visitors from outside the local area and create private sector jobs cannot be blocked under current rules. The key provision requires agencies to first confirm with local leaders that a project meets two criteria: an independent analysis shows community benefits outweigh costs, and the project will preserve or increase private jobs. This specifically preserves tourism-focused developments like visitor attractions that meet these standards, without changing the existing rule limiting funding for projects where retail sales facilities exceed one-third of costs.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill protects regionally significant transportation infrastructure projects from being blocked by requiring community benefit analysis, ensuring continued development of visitor/jobs-creating projects.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 348: Relates to drivers of school buses using hands-free mobile telephones

This bill prohibits school bus drivers from using hands-free mobile telephones while operating a bus carrying students. It directly affects school bus drivers during student transport, with exceptions for emergencies (like contacting emergency services) or when the bus is parked safely off the road. The law allows use of exempt devices like two-way radios for school district communication, as designated by education officials. It does not ban all phone use but specifically targets hands-free devices during active student transport.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances school bus safety by prohibiting distracted driving during student transport, directly advancing transportation safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit Roads & Highways

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2012: Relates to increasing the authorized reimbursement rate paid to governmental entities for enforcement of navigation laws

This bill (S 2012) restores the reimbursement rate for local governments enforcing navigation laws to 75% of their approved costs. It directly affects counties, towns, and villages that enforce navigation regulations, particularly those managing Lake George park areas (which are exempt from funding reductions). The bill amends a law to ensure eligible local entities receive up to 75% of their authorized enforcement costs, calculated using state vessel registration fees and specific administrative funds. It does not change the total funding pool but adjusts how reimbursements are calculated and distributed. The change takes effect April 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill restores reimbursement rate to 75% for local enforcement of navigation laws, increasing state spending on this program. Directly funds public service enforcement under Budget & Taxes.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRestores 75% reimbursement for local enforcement of navigation laws, funding transportation safety and infrastructure maintenance on waterways like Lake George park areas.92% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6304: Relates to requiring all new residential and commercial construction that has dedicated off-street parking to implement electric vehicle supply equipment infrastructure

Requires all new residential and commercial construction that has dedicated off-street parking to implement electric vehicle supply equipment infrastructure in conformance with the requirements of the current edition of the national electrical code.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates EV charging infrastructure in new construction, advancing clean energy infrastructure and reducing fossil fuel dependence for transportation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates EV charging infrastructure in new construction, promoting clean transportation and reducing emissions through infrastructure requirements.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates EV infrastructure in new construction, promoting sustainable transportation infrastructure and aligning with clean energy goals for vehicle electrification.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 31, 2025

A 229: Relates to adjudications and owner liability for a violation of traffic-control signal indications in the city of Schenectady

This bill authorizes the city of Schenectady to implement a photo enforcement program for traffic signal violations. It allows Schenectady to install cameras at up to 12 intersections, sending liability notices by mail to vehicle owners (not drivers) when violations are captured, with photos designed to avoid identifying drivers or passengers. Owners face penalties up to $50 per violation (plus $25 for late response), but the program does not count as a driving conviction, affect driving records, or impact insurance. The policy applies exclusively to Schenectady and requires owners to prove a vehicle was reported stolen during the violation to avoid liability.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enables photo enforcement for traffic signal violations to enhance road safety, directly aligning with transportation safety indicators.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 30, 2026

A 4642: Requires certain state owned and operated parking facilities to install and maintain charging stations for plug-in electric vehicles

This bill requires New York State to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at state-owned parking facilities with 50+ spaces. Facilities with 50-200 spaces must provide charging for at least 10% of spaces (or equivalent electrical capacity), while larger facilities (over 200 spaces) must provide for 20%. All stations must meet minimum electrical specs (40 amps, 208 volts) and comply with local electrical codes. The Office of General Services will handle installation, maintenance, and necessary electrical upgrades, with contracted work requiring prevailing wages. The law takes effect April 1st after enactment.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates state facilities to install EV charging infrastructure, directly advancing renewable transportation infrastructure and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates EV charging infrastructure at state facilities to promote clean transportation and reduce emissions from vehicles.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates EV charging infrastructure at state facilities, promoting sustainable transportation and modernizing transit infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2175: Exempts low-emission and energy efficient vehicles from retail sales and compensating use taxes

S 2175 exempts EPA-certified low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles from New York's retail sales tax and compensating use tax. This directly affects buyers of qualifying electric, hybrid, or other ultra-low-emission vehicles (defined by EPA certification or a 9+ score on pollution and greenhouse gas ratings). The exemption is funded by offsetting tax revenue losses with proceeds from emissions allowance auctions, capped at $27 million annually. The law takes effect in the first sales tax quarter after enactment and expires December 31, 2028.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts qualifying vehicles from sales tax funded by emissions auction proceeds ($27M cap), maintaining budget neutrality through offsetting revenue - fiscal responsibility.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExempts EPA-certified low-emission vehicles from sales taxes to promote adoption, funded by emissions auctions aligning with clean energy incentives.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExempts EPA-certified low-emission vehicles from taxes to promote cleaner transportation, funded by emissions auctions, directly reducing vehicle pollution and supporting environmental goals.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExempts EPA-certified low-emission vehicles from sales tax to promote sustainable transportation adoption, aligning with indicators of funding and advancing eco-friendly vehicle policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Electric Vehicles Climate Change Electric Vehicles

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2264: Relates to increasing sales of zero-emission vehicles

Provides for the issuance of certificates of registration for entities that manufacture or assemble zero-emissions vehicles and have no franchised motor vehicle dealers in New York if the sale of zero-emission vehicles in the state fail to meet certain targets.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates sales targets for zero-emission vehicles to reduce transportation emissions, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes zero-emission vehicle adoption through registration certificates, directly advancing sustainable transportation infrastructure and vehicle regulations per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8217: Relates to procedures relating to driving while ability impaired by drugs

Bill A 8217 amends the vehicle and traffic law by altering the definition of "drug." Currently, the definition includes specific substances listed in public health law and cannabis. This bill proposes to expand that definition to include any substance or combination of substances that impair, to any extent, a person's physical or mental abilities. This change would affect drivers and law enforcement in cases related to driving while ability impaired by drugs.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by broadening drug definition for DUI, increasing potential prosecutions under impaired driving laws.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill expands drug impairment definition in vehicle law, enhancing traffic safety enforcement under transportation regulations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6161: Relates to state reimbursement for local enforcement of navigation laws on waterways within local jurisdiction

Permits municipalities within certain counties to apply for reimbursement from the state for law enforcement activities on waterways within their jurisdiction.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProvides state reimbursement for enforcing navigation laws on waterways, supporting transportation infrastructure maintenance and safety.95% confidence

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