Bill > S05568

This bill authorizes the New York State Department of Transportation to establish a memorial sign program to honor people who have died in fatal motor vehicle crashes on state highways. Under this program, immediate family members can apply within five years of a crash to have a memorial sign placed, paying a fee to cover design, production, placement, and maintenance costs. The bill includes several important provisions: only one sign can be placed at a location, signs cannot be placed for individuals who caused a fatal crash while driving under the influence, signs must be designed differently from other highway memorial signs, and sign placement will depend on safety considerations and road geometry. The signs will be temporary, remaining in place for only two years, and on-site dedications or decorations will be prohibited. The bill also defines key terms like "immediate family" and "controlled-access state highway" and requires the department to post program information on its website along with traffic safety education materials. Notably, the bill is named the "Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law" and will take effect one year after becoming law, with preparatory rule-making allowed immediately.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5568