S 9479 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to the definition of tidal wetlands

This bill amends the Environmental Conservation Law to include the marine and coastal district within the official definition of tidal wetlands. The change expands the legal scope to cover areas bordering or beneath tidal waters, such as banks, bogs, salt marshes, swamps, and meadows within that specific district. By updating the definition, the bill ensures these coastal areas are recognized under existing environmental protections. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage.

Issues: ✓ Environment

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 17, 2026 Last action Jun 3, 2026

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What changed between versions

S9479 → S9479A · 1 edit

MINOR

This bill reorganizes the definition of 'tidal wetlands' in the Environmental Conservation Law to clarify that these areas are located within the marine and coastal district rather than being defined by it. The change shifts the focus from areas 'in the marine and coastal district' to areas that 'border on or lie beneath tidal waters' of that district, ensuring the definition applies to the specific geographic zones adjacent to or under tidal influence.

Scope change

The scope of the definition was modified to emphasize the relationship between the wetlands and the tidal waters of the marine and coastal district, rather than simply listing the district as the location of the wetlands.

DEFINITION

Reordered the definition of tidal wetlands to state that these are areas bordering or lying beneath the tidal waters of the marine and coastal district, rather than areas within the district itself.

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Full legislative history

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Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 9479A

upper

Apr 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

upper

Mar 17, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors