S1443A

The New York State Senate passed legislation establishing a 10-year or 350,000-mile phaseout standard for limousines, with a 57-6 vote on Senate Print 1443A. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Hinchey, aims to improve safety following fatal crashes, including a 2018 Schoharie incident that killed four women. The standards were developed by a task force that included industry leaders and families of victims. The legislation includes a waiver process allowing businesses to challenge the threshold if vehicles are deemed safe. However, six senators voted against the measure, arguing the 10-year requirement is arbitrary and will harm small independent limousine operators. Sen. Weik contended that stretch limousines are typically low-mileage vehicles used for special occasions like weddings and proms, and cited feedback from the Long Island Limousine Association calling the 10-year standard unreasonable. Sen. Rhoads expressed concern that the phaseout timeline, combined with previous safety retrofit requirements, would make it economically unfeasible for solo operators to maintain low-mileage vehicles. Supporters, including Sen. Kennedy, emphasized that the standards balance business operations with public safety and noted that a waiver component provides flexibility. The bill takes effect two years after becoming law.