New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08455

Introduced
5/16/25  

Caption

Relates to the reporting of alienation of municipal parkland.

Impact

This bill significantly impacts the management and oversight of public parkland within New York State. By defining specific reporting requirements and establishing enforcement mechanisms, the bill seeks to ensure greater accountability and transparency in how municipalities manage their parkland. The measures stipulate that if a municipality commits to alienation and fails to meet the specified conditions by a set deadline, they can face enforcement actions initiated by the attorney general. This provision is intended to promote responsible governance of public assets, making it less likely that municipalities can neglect or misuse parkland under their jurisdiction.

Summary

Bill A08455 aims to amend the parks, recreation, and historic preservation law in New York State, specifically focusing on the reporting requirements associated with the alienation of municipal parkland. The legislation establishes a framework for municipalities to report their actions related to the alienation of park land, which includes selling, leasing, or changing the use of such land. Under the proposed law, municipalities must submit a report detailing the status of any parkland alienation actions no later than December 31st of the year following the enactment of the alienation legislation. This report must be signed by the municipality's chief executive officer and include compliance attestations regarding any conditions that were established during the alienation process.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding A08455 is the balance between municipal authority and state oversight. Proponents of the bill argue that setting clear reporting and enforcement mechanisms protects vital public spaces from being alienated without proper accountability. Critics may contend that such regulations might impose significant bureaucratic burdens on municipalities, hampering their ability to navigate situations that require altering parkland use. Additionally, the discussion surrounding the impacts on local governance and community input might emerge, especially when community needs for parks and recreation could be overlooked due to state-level enforcement.

Companion Bills

NY S01057

Same As Relates to the reporting of alienation of municipal parkland.

Previously Filed As

NY S00252

Relates to the reporting of alienation of municipal parkland.

NY S06126

Authorizes the town of Brookhaven to alienate certain parklands for the purpose of constructing a municipal drainage system and acquire and dedicate certain other lands as parklands.

NY A06028

Authorizes the town of Brookhaven to alienate certain parklands for the purpose of constructing a municipal drainage system and acquire and dedicate certain other lands as parklands.

NY S00726

Provides for a review process of proposals to alienate municipal parkland.

NY A01174

Directs municipalities to create a program for bystander reporting of stolen, false or fraudulent license plates.

NY S04494

Directs municipalities to create a program for bystander reporting of stolen, false or fraudulent license plates.

NY S09386

Authorizes the town of New Windsor to alienate certain parklands for use as a sewer treatment plant and to dedicate other lands as replacement parklands.

NY A10318

Authorizes the town of New Windsor to alienate certain parklands for use as a sewer treatment plant and to dedicate other lands as replacement parklands.

NY A10139

Authorizes the town of Oyster Bay to discontinue as parklands and convey such parkland to the department of environmental conservation.

NY S09332

Authorizes the town of Oyster Bay to discontinue as parklands and convey such parkland to the department of environmental conservation.

Similar Bills

CA AB2633

Protection of parklands: American River Parkway: County of Sacramento: removal of persons engaged in the act of unpermitted camping and clearing of unpermitted campsites.

TX SB558

Relating to parkland dedication for multifamily, hotel, and motel property development by certain municipalities; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1526

Relating to parkland dedication for multifamily, hotel, and motel property development by certain municipalities; authorizing a fee.

NY S08271

Authorizes the city of Yonkers to alienate and discontinue the use of certain parklands.

NY A08677

Authorizes the city of Yonkers to alienate and discontinue the use of certain parklands.

TX HB3153

Relating to the free admission to state parks for the parents of deceased members of the armed services

NY S07537

Authorizes the town of Hurley to alienate certain lands used as parklands for the purpose of constructing a new highway garage for the town and to dedicate certain other lands as parklands.

NY A08146

Authorizes the town of Hurley to alienate certain lands used as parklands for the purpose of constructing a new highway garage for the town and to dedicate certain other lands as parklands.