State Sen. Patty Ritchie’s bill to help people register larger recreational utility vehicles in New York State passed the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, clearing the first legislative hurdle on the way to becoming law.

The bill would redefine all terrain vehicles (ATV) to include side-by-side utility vehicles that weigh as much as 1,500 pounds, raising the limit from the current 1,000 pounds.

“New York State has been losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in new revenue because of the outmoded definition of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the transportation law,” she said. “This legislation will allow New York State to collect new revenues in vehicle registrations and sales taxes.”

“It’s the smartest thing the state has done in ages,” said Judy Wendt of Canton, president of the St. Lawrence County ATV Association. “Over half the machines sold last year were side-by-sides. I think you’ll find fewer complaints because the demographics for people who use these machines tend to be older couples who like to ride together. They are more of a family machine.”

“At a time when ATV use is becoming one of upstate New York’s most popular off-road motorized sports, I think it is critical that we work with our sportsmen’s organizations to expand outdoor recreation opportunities so that we can bring tourists to some of the rural areas of Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence County that already offer extensive trail opportunities,” she said.

“Thousands of owners of these vehicles are frustrated because they have been prevented from registering their vehicles,” Senator Ritchie said. “Many have been making an end run around New York State’s outmoded regulations by registering their vehicles in Pennsylvania where the state has kept up with the latest advances in technology.”