About one-third of New York's state parks, campgrounds and historic sites have security cameras, and the recent rescue of a 9-year-old girl kidnapped from Moreau Lake State Park is spurring a push to change that.

The girl's abduction captivated the nation until she was found Oct. 2 after a 48-hour search. The man charged in connection with the incident remains in jail on kidnapping charges.

But law enforcement officers had little to go on when the fourth-grader went missing from Moreau Lake State Park while riding her bicycle alone. No security cameras were present when she disappeared, and a fingerprint found on a ransom note ultimately led to her rescue. 

"Forty-eight hours, they were very fortunate to get that young lady back," said Sen. Jim Tedisco, a Saratoga Springs Republican whose district includes the Moreau Lake State Park. "We would have found this girl in an hour, two hours or three hours, if this predator didn't make a mistake. Most of the time, they don't make a mistake."

Tedisco proposed legislation, which was drafted this week, to require all state parks, campgrounds and recreational facilities have security cameras at all entrances and exits. The proposed law would only have cameras monitoring people entering or exiting parks or historic sites. 

Moreau Lake State Park installed security cameras last week in wake of the child abduction, and increased police patrols throughout the park before the holiday weekend. There are currently 208 park police officers, with 22 in academy.

Between 60 and 70 of 180 state parks in New York have security cameras installed, officials with the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said Tuesday. 

"Public safety insecurity is the No. 1 issue for our constituents," Tedisco said, citing recent polls of New York voters. "If we don't keep them safe, not only in their homes in the streets, but in the parks, the playgrounds, the recreation areas to campgrounds, there is no quality of life here."

The cost to purchase and implement the cameras would be "a pittance" of the state's total $229 billion budget, the senator added.

Tedisco formerly chaired a task force on child abductions and missing children, and passed a law in the 1980s with then-Gov. Mario Cuomo to put photos of missing children on Thruway toll tickets. 

Within three weeks, it led to the rescue of a girl abducted from the Capital Region.

Gov. Kathy Hochul's office, the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and New York State Police say they will conduct a review of the most recent kidnapping and form an after-action plan

But Tedisco says installing security cameras in parks doesn't need to wait for a review.

"Law enforcement did a very good job with the evidence they were able to get, but we need those video cameras right now," he said.

State agencies do not comment on pending legislation.

Officials with the Police Benevolent Association of New York State say they support the senator's proposal to enhance security at state parks and historic sites. "Our Park Police officers have been protecting state parks since 1885 and are uniquely qualified to assist Gov. Hochul and legislative leaders in the development and implementation of effective park protection strategies to ensure the safety of the more than 90 million visitors to our state parks each year," the PBA said in a statement. "As a union, we are committed to working with all parties to help ensure that the recent tragedy of [the girl's] abduction is never experienced again."

The 9-year-old girl's family declined to be interviewed, but Tedisco said they have contacted him about the bill and plan to help lobby for its passage next session. 

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to redact the identity of a potential sexual assault victim.