Bill > A06639

This bill mandates that employees of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation who perform tree maintenance must obtain specific sawyer certifications through the United States Forest Service National Crosscut and Chainsaw Program before performing certain tasks. Starting April 1, 2026, employees will be required to obtain different levels of certification depending on their specific role: a Level A certification is needed for basic tree maintenance activities like cutting and limbing, a Level B certification is required for tree maintenance in hazardous conditions such as natural disasters or extreme weather, and a Level C certification is necessary for those providing instruction or training on tree maintenance. The bill stipulates that all required training must be conducted during regular working hours and employees will be compensated at their standard pay rate for time spent in training. The legislation defines "hazardous conditions" as situations that pose significant risks to personnel's health and safety, including but not limited to natural disasters and extreme weather events. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6639