State Senate acts on Senator Little’s campground bills
From the Office of NYS Senator Betty Little
The State Senate passed two bills sponsored by Senator Betty Little relating to campgrounds. Senate bill S.4024 was approved by a 62-0 vote. It would create a new law to address the removal of disruptive campground guests. Because there is no law of this nature specific to campgrounds, Little said, courts have dealt with the issue by citing a landlord-tenant relationship. “This legislation would identify the reasons, or grounds, for why a person could be asked to leave a campground and the means for doing so, effectively citing trespassing laws,” said Senator Little. “The purpose is to give campground owners clear parameters. It would bring campgrounds in line with what can be done at hotels and motels when guests become disruptive and a threat to other guests.”
A companion bill is sponsored by Assemblyman Steve Englebright of Long Island. The Campground Owners of New York (CONY) supports the measure.
A second bill sponsored by Little, S.345, passed b a vote of 44 to 18. It would provide a more accurate definition for campgrounds located within the Adirondack Park. Little has sponsored the bill for several years following an attempt by the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) to enact and enforce a regulation that would require seasonal campers move their recreational vehicles after a set amount of days. “We have over 130 privately owned campgrounds in the Adirondacks and many rely on the seasonal campers who return year after year to recreate in the Park,” said Little. “Requiring that the trailers at these campgrounds be moved every year would place our campgrounds at an disadvantage to other regions where such a regulation would not be in force. “We can’t afford to lose these guests and the economic activity they bring to our local communities. For many, camping is a safe and affordable means of enjoying the outdoors and rather than create roadblocks, we should be encouraging this kind of recreation.”
Companion legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward has been referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee.
Posted: June 14th, 2011 under State Legislator News.