S1370A

The New York State Senate passed legislation expanding commercial vehicle safety regulations, with the bill receiving overwhelming support in a 62-1 vote. Senate Print 1370A, sponsored by Sen. Kennedy, amends the Transportation Law and Vehicle and Traffic Law to expand seizure and impoundment authority beyond stretch limousines to all commercial vehicles found to have out-of-service defects. The measure increases penalties for violations to up to $10,000 and one year in jail per offense. Sen. Kennedy characterized the bill as an expansion of comprehensive limousine safety legislation passed in January 2020, which he noted was adopted at the federal level. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to conduct twice-yearly inspections of stretch limousines, including spot checks, with authority to immediately impound vehicles with safety defects. Sen. Palumbo, the sole questioner during debate, expressed general support but raised concerns about language in the bill that allows—rather than requires—officers to remove unsafe vehicles from the road. He also suggested the Senate may want to revisit inspection standards to ensure commercial vehicles receive the same rigorous oversight as motor carriers at weigh stations. The bill takes effect one year after becoming law. Only Sen. Walczyk voted against the measure.