Here’s a summary of 3 issues from the Governor’s proposed budget, that would impact our industry:

PART B – Penalties for Oversized and Unauthorized Vehicles

Purpose: This bill would increase the penalties for commercial vehicles on parkways and overheight vehicles in violation of height restrictions.

Summary of Provisions and Statement in Support: This bill would amend section 1800 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law by amending and adding a new subdivision to increase penalties for commercial vehicles on parkways, and would amend section 385 of the Vehicle and Traffic law by adding a new subdivision to increase penalties for vehicles exceeding legal height or posted clearance height. Owners and operators in violation of these restrictions would face significant monetary penalties and the suspension of vehicle registrations.

The New York State Department of Transportation estimates that there are approximately 150 vehicle bridge hits every year in the State. The related congestion, towing and cleanup and required incident personnel associated with these bridge hits results in an estimated total cost of $30 million per year

Budget Implications: Enactment of this bill is necessary to implement the FY2021 Executive Budget to limit the significant financial impact over height vehicles can have on the state highway and bridge system when they are operated in violation of law.

Effective Date: This bill would take effect immediately.

PART M – Toll Enforcement

Purpose: This bill maximizes the collection of tolls owed to public authorities such as MTA Bridges and Tunnels and others with toll facilities in New York State.

Summary of Provisions and Statement in Support: This bill amends the Penal Law to make the intentional use of any toll facility without payment a theft-of-services crime.
Additionally, it amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law to prohibit drivers from operating motor vehicles with altered or obscured license plates while on toll facilities and in the tolled central business district, and imposes fines for such obstruction.

Budget Implications: Enactment of this bill is necessary to implement the FY 2021 Executive Budget by deterring toll evasion.

Effective Date: This bill would take effect 90 days after it becomes law.

PART GGG – Establish the New York Digital Marketplace Worker Classification Task Force

Purpose: This bill would establish the New York Digital Marketplace Worker Classification Task Force, to provide recommendations for addressing the employment conditions and classification of workers in the modern on-demand economy.

Summary of Provisions and Statement in Support: The bill would establish a task force to consist of nine members, including seven members appointed by the Governor, one member appointed by the Temporary President of the Senate, and one member appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. The members of the task force would be comprised of representatives of businesses impacted, labor groups, and workers.

The task force would be required to submit legislative recommendations to the Governor, the Temporary President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the Assembly on or before May 1, 2020. The task force would issue recommendations related to wages, classification, employment criteria, safety and health regulations, collective bargaining, and anti-discrimination protections for on-demand workers.

Finally, the bill would authorize the Commissioner of Labor to promulgate regulations related to the classification of workers in the on-demand economy.

Budget Implications: Enactment of this bill is necessary to implement the FY 2021 Executive Budget because it would ensure that on-demand workers are appropriately classified.

Effective Date: This bill would take effect immediately; provided, however, that the ability of the Commissioner of Labor to promulgate regulations would take effect May 1, 2020.

Your Association and Governmental Affairs firm are keeping a close watch on these issues and will keep you updated.