A10761

The New York State Senate passed a two-year extension of Department of Motor Vehicles fee authority on March 31st, with a vote of 46-13. The measure, which amends Part U1 of Chapter 62 of the Laws of 2003, allows the DMV to continue collecting existing vehicle registration, inspection, and related fees through the extended period. All 13 votes against the bill came from Republican senators: Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, and Weik. During debate, Sen. O'Mara questioned the rationale for a two-year extension rather than a shorter period aligned with the concurrent budget extender. Sen. Krueger explained that the Governor requested the two-year term because DMV fees are typically charged on an annual or biannual basis when vehicle owners purchase, register, or inspect vehicles, making frequent legislative extensions impractical. O'Mara objected to the extended timeline, arguing that no fees should be extended beyond the length of the other extender without a completed state budget and specific policy language in place. The bill passed despite Republican opposition.