A bill sponsored by Senator Toby Ann Stavisky prohibiting smoking in all state-owned public parks and beaches was signed into law by Governor Hochul on July 15.
Smoking in all state-owned beaches, boardwalks, marinas, playgrounds, recreation centers and group camps will be punishable with a civil fine of $50.
The bill (S.4142/A.5061) exempts the Adirondacks and Catskills from the ban as well as parking lots, sidewalks adjoining parks and areas not used for park purposes.
