New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03256

Introduced
1/24/25  
Refer
1/24/25  
Report Pass
5/20/25  
Engrossed
6/11/25  

Caption

Increases the penalties for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated, doubles penalties for operators having .18 of one per centum or more by weight of alcohol in their blood, breath, urine, or saliva, and includes other operating while intoxicated convictions in sentencing considerations.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would likely have significant implications for snowmobile users across New York State. By doubling the existing penalties for operating under the influence, it seeks to deter individuals from engaging in risky behavior that can lead to accidents or injuries. The legislation could lead to increased law enforcement presence in areas frequented by snowmobilers, ensuring compliance with the new regulations. This shift aims to enhance public safety and address concerns regarding intoxication while operating recreational vehicles.

Summary

Bill S03256 aims to amend the parks, recreation, and historic preservation law by increasing penalties for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated. The bill introduces stiffer fines, ranging from $250 to $3,500, depending on the severity and frequency of previous offenses. It categorizes offenses based on blood alcohol content, making it illegal to operate a snowmobile with a BAC of .08% or higher, and imposes higher penalties for those with a BAC of .18% or more. The bill emphasizes a move towards stricter enforcement of snowmobile regulations and public safety.

Contention

While proponents of S03256 argue that stricter penalties are necessary to curb dangerous behavior and protect the public, critics may contend that increased fines and penalties could disproportionately impact low-income individuals who use snowmobiles for transportation or recreation. There may also be concerns about the potential for over-policing in recreation areas. The bill's supporters must carefully navigate these potential points of contention to ensure that the legislation is both effective and equitable.

Companion Bills

NY A00474

Same As Increases the penalties for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated, doubles penalties for operators having .18 of one per centum or more by weight of alcohol in their blood, breath, urine, or saliva, and includes other operating while intoxicated convictions in sentencing considerations.

Previously Filed As

NY A01479

Increases the penalties for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated, doubles penalties for operators having .16 of one per centum or more by weight of alcohol in his or her blood, breath, urine, or saliva, and includes other operating while intoxicated convictions in sentencing considerations.

NY S08391

Increases the penalties for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated, doubles penalties for operators having .16 of one per centum or more by weight of alcohol in his or her blood, breath, urine, or saliva, and includes other operating while intoxicated convictions in sentencing considerations.

NY S00776

Lowers the blood alcohol concentration required for driving while intoxicated from .08 of one per centum to .05, and for aggravated driving while intoxicated from .18 per centum to .12.

NY A01627

Lowers the blood alcohol concentration required for driving while intoxicated from .08 of one per centum to .05, and for aggravated driving while intoxicated from .18 per centum to .12.

NY S06889

Enacts "Bryan Johnson's law"; includes prior convictions of operation of a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs as prior convictions of driving while intoxicated.

NY A08224

Enacts "Bryan Johnson's law"; includes prior convictions of operation of a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs as prior convictions of driving while intoxicated.

NY A04812

Relates to sanctions and penalties for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol; creates new offenses of criminal intoxication and aggravated criminal intoxication; provides for stiffer penalties for such violations; makes all violations felonies.

NY A00029

Provides for the repeal of existing boating while intoxicated laws and replaces them with laws related to operation of a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs which closer resemble the existing DWI laws.

NY A03858

Relates to penalties for striking a pedestrian crossing a street while operating a motor vehicle.

NY A09794

Authorizes bail for principals charged with certain driving while intoxicated offenses.

Similar Bills

NY A00474

Increases the penalties for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated, doubles penalties for operators having .18 of one per centum or more by weight of alcohol in their blood, breath, urine, or saliva, and includes other operating while intoxicated convictions in sentencing considerations.

MI HB6245

Recreation: other; operation of certain vehicles under the influence of marihuana; prohibit. Amends secs. 80103, 80104, 80176, 80181, 80182, 80183, 80187, 81101, 81134, 81136, 81137, 81144, 82101, 82127, 82137, 82138, 82139 & 82143 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.80103 et. seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6244'24

IL SB0285

DUI CAUSING 1 DEATH-4-20 YRS

IL SB1405

DUI CAUSING 1 DEATH-4-20 YRS

NH HB1127

Relative to the revocation and suspension of drivers' licenses and to invalidating out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants.

NY A08599

Establishes an oral fluid task force to study and make recommendations on best practices for the testing of oral fluids to determine impairment due to drug intoxication while operating a motor vehicle in the state; replaces the word "saliva" with the term "oral fluid" and relates to the testing of oral fluids.

NH SB48

Relative to the definition of "way" for the purposes of driving after revocation or suspension.

MN SF31

Registration, transfer, and operation of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles modernization