Environment (Wildlife)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4954: Prohibits the use of lead ammunition in the taking of wildlife on state-owned land and on land contributing surface water to the New York city water supply

Prohibits the use of lead ammunition in the taking of wildlife on wildlife management areas, state forests, forest preserves, state parks or any other state-owned land that is open for hunting and on land contributing surface water to the New York city water supply.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits lead ammunition, a known environmental pollutant, to protect wildlife habitats and water sources from contamination.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Wildlife

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6152: Relates to protecting wildlife and maintaining safety

Relates to protecting wildlife and maintaining safety; necessitates written notification before a nuisance wildlife control operator undertakes any control measures.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly protects wildlife via notification requirement, aligning with environmental conservation and protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1966: Includes wildlife animals as those subject to the animal cruelty provisions

This bill (A 1966) expands New York's animal cruelty law to include wildlife animals - such as deer, birds, or other non-insect species - as protected under the law, alongside companion animals. It directly affects wildlife by adding them to the list of animals covered by cruelty provisions, meaning intentional harm to these animals could now be prosecuted under the law. The key mechanism amends the law to define "wildlife" per environmental conservation law, while explicitly maintaining exemptions for lawful hunting, trapping, fishing, pest control, and other authorized activities. This change does not alter existing legal activities like hunting or pest management but extends cruelty protections to wildlife for the first time under this specific statute.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands animal cruelty protections to wildlife (deer, birds), directly aligning with environmental conservation law to prevent harm to natural resources and biodiversity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2145: Relates to the regulation of live restraint cable devices to take wildlife

This bill regulates wildlife capture methods by banning leg-gripping traps with teeth, suspended leg-hold traps, and traditional snares. It permits the use of live-capture cable devices (with specific safety features like swivels, deer stops, and breakaway mechanisms) for coyotes and other species, but only under Department of Environmental Conservation rules. Trappers must check devices daily, complete mandatory training, and follow strict device specifications. The law takes effect immediately and expires February 16, 2028.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans injurious traps (leg-gripping, snares), mandates safer cable devices with DEC oversight, and requires daily checks to protect wildlife conservation and reduce harm.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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died · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6581: Excludes amphibians and reptiles from the definition of small game; repealer

This bill updates environmental conservation law regarding amphibians and reptiles. It redefines "small game" to exclude most native frogs (except bullfrogs), native salamanders, native lizards, and native snakes (except common snapping turtles). These species are instead added to the definition of "protected wildlife," subjecting them to different conservation measures. The bill also clarifies that only bullfrogs and common snapping turtles remain under specific regulations for taking, with the department determining the methods for bullfrogs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentReclassifies amphibians/reptiles to protected wildlife, strengthening conservation measures instead of allowing hunting under small game rules.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2025

S 7774: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage hickory shad

This bill extends the New York Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage hickory shad (a fish species) until December 31, 2028. It amends Section 13-0339-a of the Environmental Conservation Law to update the expiration date of this management authority from 2025 to 2028. The change directly affects the DEC's regulatory powers over hickory shad populations and their habitat. The bill does not alter management practices but prolongs the existing legal framework for conservation efforts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends DEC's authority to manage hickory shad conservation until 2028, maintaining regulatory framework for species protection and habitat conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 250: Includes wildlife animals as those subject to the animal cruelty provisions

This bill (S 250) expands New York's animal cruelty law to include wildlife animals under its protections. It amends the Agriculture and Markets Law to specifically list "wildlife" (as defined in environmental law) alongside companion animals in the aggravated cruelty provisions, making it a crime to intentionally kill or cause serious injury to wildlife without justification. The law explicitly exempts lawful activities like hunting, trapping, fishing, pest management, and scientific research conducted under approved regulations. This change directly affects wildlife by adding legal protections against intentional harm, while maintaining existing exemptions for authorized activities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly expands legal protections to wildlife under cruelty provisions, directly advancing conservation of natural resources as defined in environmental law.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1898: Prohibits using toxic ammunition in the taking of wildlife

This bill prohibits the use of toxic ammunition, including lead bullets, for taking wildlife. It requires hunters to use only federally approved nontoxic ammunition instead. The law applies directly to individuals hunting wildlife and takes effect 30 days after enactment. The key provision mandates a switch to approved nontoxic alternatives while explicitly banning lead and other toxic options.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans lead ammunition, reducing environmental pollution and protecting wildlife from toxic contamination per bill's explicit prohibition of toxic options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5709: Prohibits the importing, possession, or sale of any part or product of the skin or body of a kangaroo for commercial purposes

This bill prohibits the commercial import, possession (with intent to sell), or sale of any kangaroo product, including skin, meat, or bones, for any business or profit-related activity. It directly affects businesses and individuals involved in trading kangaroo-derived goods, such as leather products or wildlife souvenirs. The law imposes civil penalties of up to $1,000 for first offenses and $5,000 for repeat violations, while clarifying it supplements existing animal welfare laws and doesn’t restrict lawful disposal of deceased kangaroos. It specifically covers four kangaroo species (red, eastern grey, western grey, and common wallaroo) and defines "commercial purposes" as any activity advancing economic gain.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits commercial trade of kangaroo products to protect wildlife conservation, directly advancing environmental protection through species preservation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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passed · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 5014: Enacts the "Big Five African Trophies Act" relating to banning the importation, transportation and possession of certain African wildlife species and products

Enacts the "Big Five African Trophies Act" relating to banning the importation, transportation and possession of certain African wildlife species and products.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans importation/possession of African wildlife trophies to protect endangered species, directly advancing conservation goals per environmental topic definition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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