To All Member Villages:
By now we hope all villages are aware of NY Senate bill #S8400 which has been signed into law by the Governor. This bill has in our opinion “unintended consequences.” The bill sponsored by Senator Golden of Brooklyn has unfortunately created a crisis in the Taxi and Limousine industry for Nassau and NY City.
The bill addresses its application to the law as being between “a city with a population of one million or more, or a county within New York state contiguous to such city, that requires the issuance of a license, permit, registration, certification or other approval for a vehicle to perform a prearranged pick up or drop off of one or more passengers in such jurisdictions for compensation.”
Therein lies the problem as Nassau County does not have the authority to license. That authority currently lies with the three townships, two cities and 16 villages that have indicated that that license taxi and limo operations within their borders.
As a possible solution to the problem our lobbyist will meet with Senator Golden and ask that he allow the following language to be entered into the bill as an amendment:
“Licensing jurisdiction” shall mean a city with a population of one million ore more, or a county within New York state contiguous to such city, or a city, town or village within Nassau County, that requires the issuance of a license and or permit for a vehicle or a driver to perform the pre-arranged pick up or drop off of one or more passengers in such jurisdiction for compensation.
The Taxi and Limo Commission under the mantle of the Office of Consumers Affairs is recommending that they be given that authority to negotiate with New York City but as of now we have not seen their letter in which they spell out for the municipalities what would be required for all concerned. Absent that we can not speak for them as to their suggestions.
Please have your attorneys review S8400 and advise you accordingly as there are other new requirements that must be met to accommodate the law.
As of now the law will be effective on November 15, 2006 and if enforced by either Nassau County Taxi & Limo Commission or the TLC of the City of New York, cabs and limos will not be allowed to operate in either jurisdiction without fear of summons and or impoundment of a vehicle.