Enacts the tropical rainforest economic & environmental sustainability act requiring that companies contracting with the state do not contribute to tropical forest degradation or deforestation directly or through their supply chains; establishes the supply chain transparency assistance program to assist small and medium-sized businesses and minority and women-owned businesses in achieving compliant supply chains.
This bill extends the maximum lease term for zero-emission school buses from 5 to 12 years, allowing school districts to secure long-term agreements without annual voter approval for these specific vehicles. It directly affects school districts purchasing or leasing zero-emission buses by permitting longer contracts (up to 12 years) compared to standard school buses (max 5 years). The key change adjusts budgeting rules so districts using 12-year leases for zero-emission buses must calculate related costs over the full lease period for funding purposes. The bill does not alter lease terms for conventional buses or require new voter approvals for standard bus leases.
Directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets, acting by and through the department of economic development, in cooperation with the department of environmental conservation, to establish a New York native plants designation, and offer seals or logos identifying native plants as grown in New York state and certified for their quality, for product labeling, advertising, and displays.
This bill extends the deadline for New York's Mercury Thermostat Collection Act from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027. It directly affects the state's program for safely collecting and disposing of mercury-containing thermostats, which helps prevent environmental contamination. The key change is simply updating the expiration date in the law, ensuring the program continues operating for one additional year without altering its existing requirements or processes. This is a procedural extension, not a substantive policy change.
Extends provisions of law relating to the authority of the department of environmental conservation to fix by regulation open seasons, size and catch limits and manner of taking fish from December 31, 2025 until December 31, 2028.
This bill extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's existing authority to manage weakfish (a type of fish) through December 31, 2028. It allows the department to continue setting specific fishing regulations, such as size limits, catch quotas, seasonal closures, and gear restrictions, for weakfish. These rules must remain at least as strict as current requirements and align with federal and regional fishery management plans. The bill directly affects commercial and recreational fishermen who target weakfish in New York waters.
This bill extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) existing authority to manage American shad (a fish species) until December 31, 2028. It amends a specific section of environmental law to change the expiration date from 2025 to 2028, ensuring the DEC can continue its current management practices without needing new legislation. The extension directly affects the DEC's regulatory role for American shad populations in state waters. The bill passed both legislative chambers in June 2025 and was signed into law in July 2025.
This bill extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage alewife fish populations until December 31, 2028. It amends existing law to change the expiration date from 2025 to 2028, maintaining the department's current management powers. The extension directly affects the conservation and management of alewife, a migratory fish species, and the department's regulatory responsibilities. The bill was signed into law on July 29, 2025, and is now effective.
This bill extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to regulate bluefish (a specific fish species) through 2028, instead of ending in 2025. It allows the department to continue setting rules for catch limits, size restrictions, fishing seasons, and other management measures for bluefish. These regulations must remain at least as strict as current requirements and align with both federal fishing laws and regional management plans. The extension directly affects commercial and recreational fishermen who harvest bluefish in New York waters. The bill passed the legislature and was signed into law in July 2025.
This bill (A 8656) extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) authority to manage hickory shad (a fish species) until December 31, 2028. It updates the expiration date in existing law from 2025 to 2028, ensuring the DEC can continue its conservation efforts for this species. The change directly affects the DEC's ongoing management of hickory shad populations and their habitat within New York waters. The bill modifies a specific provision in environmental law without altering the species' conservation status or introducing new regulations.
