Hochul signs bills allowing cash payments at state parks, extending exemption for boating-safety certificate

ALBANY, N.Y. — People can continue to use cash to be admitted into sites operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. A new state law prohibits the mandated use of credit cards as a means of payment for use of parks’ facilities. It was one of two bills that Gov. Kathy Hochul signed July 3 to increase access to state parks, recreational facilities, and historic sites, and to support the tourism industry in New York. Many New Yorkers — including seniors, those without access to a bank account, minors, and others — use only cash. Credit cards offer convenience, but not everyone has access to them or wants to use them. The new state law ensures “equal access” to New York’s state parks, historical sites, and recreational facilities, Hochul’s office said. Besides the means-of-payment law, the governor also signed a bill saying certain operators of leased personal watercrafts can remain exempt from the boating-safety certificate. The extended authorization will support the tourism businesses that lease these vehicles to those vacationing at New York’s waterfronts, Hochul’s office said. Her office went on to say that those new laws build on Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” summer campaign. The initiative promotes physical and mental health by encouraging New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings. “Our State Parks are an important driver behind our state’s economy, and my administration is committed to ensuring everyone has access to our breathtaking sites and to boosting the tourism industry,” Hochul said. “These acts of legislation will make sure that New Yorkers and our visitors can see and experience all that New York has to offer.”