A 5150 New York Assembly · 2025 Regular Session

Enacts the "harmful algal bloom monitoring and prevention act"

This bill establishes New York's "harmful algal bloom monitoring and prevention act" to address toxic algae outbreaks in state waterways. It requires the environmental agency to create a public database collecting water quality data (like nutrient levels and bloom locations) and develop a report of region-specific prevention strategies within three years. The program will also launch a website portal for local governments and nonprofits to access HAB research, expert resources, and best practices. This aims to coordinate statewide efforts to protect public health, recreation, and ecosystems affected by harmful algal blooms.

Issues: ✓ Environment

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 12, 2025 Last action Jan 7, 2026

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What changed between versions

A5150 → A5150A · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to strengthen the state's approach to harmful algal bloom monitoring by shifting from a general data collection mandate to a specific requirement for creating a comprehensive database of existing data. The amendment also clarifies that the resulting report will support a central grant program for data-driven prevention and mitigation strategies.

Scope change

The bill's scope was refined to explicitly require the creation of a comprehensive database of existing harmful algal bloom data, rather than just developing a program for data collection and analysis.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the requirement from developing a program for data collection to creating a comprehensive database of all existing department data on harmful algal blooms.

Added a requirement that data submission protocols include quality standards and tiers to minimize data loss.

TIMELINE

Modified the timeline for publishing best practice strategies to occur no later than three years after the effective date, with consultation required from the commissioner of agriculture and markets.

FISCAL

Added language stating that the data and subsequent report will enable the state to administer a central grant program supporting data-driven prevention and mitigation practices.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jan 7, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

lower

Mar 21, 2025

Lower · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 5150A

lower

Mar 21, 2025

Lower · Passed

AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

lower

Feb 12, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

lower

1 primary · 9 co-sponsors