Bill > A06311

This bill prohibits municipal corporations from allowing publicly owned land to be used for helicopter air transportation primarily focused on sightseeing tours or media production activities over New York City. Specifically, the bill amends the Hudson River Park Act to define and restrict "prohibited flight operations" while establishing exceptions for certain types of helicopter transportation. Permitted transportation uses include heavy-lift construction support, public health and safety operations (like emergency response and law enforcement), research or news organization flights, and flights complying with federal aviation regulations. The bill requires the Hudson River Park Trust to prevent prohibited uses and block operators conducting prohibited flight operations from accessing heliports in the park. The legislation will take effect 30 days after becoming law, with existing leases and permits allowed to continue under their current terms. This bill aims to reduce helicopter traffic over New York City, particularly for tourism and commercial media production purposes, while maintaining essential transportation and emergency service capabilities.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6311