New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09301

Introduced
2/26/26  
Refer
2/26/26  

Caption

Establishes the New York state park police under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation.

Impact

If implemented, the bill would have significant implications for state law governing public safety in parks. By formally recognizing the New York state park police as an independent entity, the legislation could improve resource allocation and operational effectiveness in managing safety and law enforcement within state recreational areas. The establishment of an independent police force could also enhance accountability and responsiveness to specific law enforcement needs within parks, which can be distinct from general law enforcement practice applied by county or state police forces.

Summary

Bill S09301 seeks to establish the New York state park police as an independent law enforcement agency under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation. This legislative initiative aims to streamline the governance and operational protocols of park law enforcement, separating the state park police from the New York state police's operational direction while still allowing for cooperative training and emergency response arrangements. This structural change intends to clarify the role and authority of park police, enhancing their ability to ensure safety and compliance within state parks.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding Bill S09301 may emerge from discussions about the need for a separate law enforcement body versus the effectiveness of integrating park enforcement within the broader framework of state police operations. Proponents of the bill may argue that an independent park police force is better suited to address the unique challenges of managing public safety within park settings, while opponents might express concerns regarding potential duplication of services, increased expenditures, or the implications for existing law enforcement resources. Additional discussions may focus on how to ensure collaboration and coordination between the park police and other state law enforcement agencies while maintaining the autonomy intended by the bill.

Companion Bills

NY A10417

Same As Establishes the New York state park police under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation.

Previously Filed As

NY A10417

Establishes the New York state park police under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation.

NY S07425

Directs the commissioner of the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to conduct a legal review for the re-designation of Donald J. Trump State Park, in Putnam and Westchester counties to a new name.

NY S10137

Directs the commissioner of the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to conduct a legal review for the re-designation of Donald J. Trump State Park, in Putnam and Westchester counties to a new name.

NY A11052

Gives state residents reservation preference for state parks and recreational facilities.

NY S05116

Establishes the New York state Black history preservation commission to ensure the documentation and preservation of Black history in New York state within the state university of New York.

NY A08782

Directs the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation, in conjunction with the department of economic development, to conduct a feasibility study and report on the potential reestablishment of the empire state games.

NY S08048

Requires the department of parks, recreation and historic preservation cut down trees within two weeks of receiving notice whether it was received through 311 or the department's webpage.

NY A09530

Requires the department of parks, recreation and historic preservation cut down trees within two weeks of receiving notice whether it was received through 311 or the department's webpage.

NY A09517

Provides that an operational safety plan developed by the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation shall require that any employee check in with the incident commander or safety officer for incident specific procedures prior to taking any action at the incident location; provides that when deployment occurs in coordination with one or more other entities, and the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation is not the lead response agency, the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that employees are provided with the incident specific operational safety plan developed by the lead agency and/or incident commander.

NY S08767

Provides that an operational safety plan developed by the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation shall require that any employee check in with the incident commander or safety officer for incident specific procedures prior to taking any action at the incident location; provides that when deployment occurs in coordination with one or more other entities, and the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation is not the lead response agency, the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that employees are provided with the incident specific operational safety plan developed by the lead agency and/or incident commander.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.