Bill > A05710

This bill amends New York state law to protect volunteers who use their personal vehicles for social service transportation by prohibiting insurance companies from refusing to renew automobile insurance policies or charging higher premiums solely because the vehicle is used for volunteer work with nonprofit charitable organizations or governmental agencies. Specifically, the bill clarifies that individually-owned private passenger vehicles used for volunteer social service transportation are distinct from commercial transportation services like livery vehicles or transportation network company vehicles. The law ensures that volunteers who provide essential community services, such as helping transport elderly or disabled individuals, will not face insurance discrimination. The bill modifies sections of the insurance law and vehicle and traffic law to explicitly exclude these volunteer vehicles from being classified as commercial transportation vehicles. The changes will take effect 30 days after becoming law and will apply to insurance policies issued or delivered on or after that date, providing immediate protection for volunteers using their personal vehicles to support charitable and governmental social service transportation efforts.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5710