S 51 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to risk retention groups and commuter vans, pre-arranged for-hire vehicles, or accessible vehicles

This bill modifies New York's vehicle insurance requirements for specific vehicle types. It allows nonprofit organizations operating commuter vans, pre-arranged for-hire vehicles (like small school buses or ride services), or ADA-compliant accessible vehicles to use federally registered risk retention groups (special insurance groups) instead of traditional insurers. The policy applies only if the vehicle isn't used for personal purposes by executives or their families, has under 15 seats, and excludes luxury limousines or TNC vehicles. This change aims to provide more flexible insurance options for nonprofits serving communities with specialized transportation needs.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
Assembly Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 8, 2025 Last action Mar 5, 2026
Floor votes · Senate May 29, 2025

How they voted

551
Passed · 7 other
Total votes 63
May 29, 2025
D Democratic41
36 Yea 5
87% Yea
R Republican22
19 Yea 1 Nay 2
86% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
16
Key actions
2
Committee
4
Mar 5, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
lower
Mar 5, 2026
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
Jan 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO INSURANCE
upper
May 29, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
lower
May 29, 2025
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
Jan 8, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO INSURANCE
upper
1 primary · 11 co-sponsors

Sponsors