Requires the commissioner of environmental conservation to promote education in hunting, fishing and outdoor education in high school physical education courses.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A5657
SPONSOR: Barclay (MS) TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to hunt-
ing, fishing and outdoor education in high school physical education
courses
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this legislation is to promote hunting, fishing and
outdoor activities in an educational capacity.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends § 3-0301 of the Environmental Conservation Law by
adding a new paragraph aa. This paragraph places requirement on the
Department of Environmental Conservation to develop an education program
for grades nine through twelve regarding types of fish that can be
caught, game sought and other information necessary for implementing an
education program.
Section 2: Provides that the act shall take effect the July succeeding
when it becomes law; provided that any other changes to law or regu-
lations be made immediately.
JUSTIFICATION:
Recent studies have pointed out that more and more children are becoming
more and more obese due to their lack of activity and distorted eating
habits. In order to change this situation and develop healthier chil-
dren, It is essential that they become more aware of opportunities that
exist for them.
To support this, it is essential that children become aware of the bene-
fits that can be seen in hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. With
the vast resources available throughout New York, children will be able
to engage in various activities that lead to a healthier lifestyle.
Creating a healthier lifestyle is beneficial; however, it is not the
only benefit that will be seen. One of the other significant benefits
recognized is the creation of a link to the history and development of
our state. Various regions of the state have significant cultural links
to outdoor activities. Providing education in the classroom will teach
children about these links and how the activities have created the
culture.
In addition to creating a healthier lifestyle and providing insight into
the cultural significance of an area and its activities, providing
education in the classroom will also lead to place hunting, fishing and
outdoor recreation in a positive light.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
A5553 of 2023-24 Referred to Environmental Conservation
A6091 of 2021-22 Held for consideration in Environmental Conservation
A4909 of 2019-20 Held for consideration in Environmental Conservation
A4018 of 2017-18 referred to Environmental Conservation
A3256 of 2015-16 Held for consideration in Environmental Conservation
A4124 of 2013-14 Held for consideration in Environmental Conservation
A4345 of 2011-12 Held for consideration in Environmental Conservation
A3014 of 2009-10 Held for consideration in Environmental Conservation
A3876 of 2007-08 Held for consideration in Environmental Conservation
A11017 of 2006 Held for consideration in Environmental Conservation
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date
on which it became law; provided, however that effective immediately,
the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation neces-
sary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is author-
ized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective
date.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
5657
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 19, 2025
___________
Introduced by M. of A. BARCLAY, BLANKENBUSH, DiPIETRO, PALMESANO, BRABE-
NEC, MANKTELOW, MORINELLO, SIMPSON, GALLAHAN, LEMONDES -- Multi-Spon-
sored by -- M. of A. K. BROWN, DeSTEFANO, HAWLEY -- read once and
referred to the Committee on Environmental Conservation
AN ACT to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to hunt-
ing, fishing and outdoor education in high school physical education
courses
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 3-0301 of the environmental
2 conservation law is amended by adding a new paragraph aa to read as
3 follows:
4 aa. Disseminate information relating to hunting, fishing and outdoor
5 education, in consultation with the board of regents, to promote
6 instruction in physical education courses for grades nine through twelve
7 in hunting, fishing and outdoor education. Such instruction shall
8 include information on the:
9 (1) various hunting and fishing seasons;
10 (2) species that can be sought;
11 (3) the necessary materials for obtaining hunting and fishing
12 licenses;
13 (4) outdoor opportunities for recreation and exercise purposes; and
14 (5) history and benefits of hunting and fishing in this state's devel-
15 opment;
16 § 2. This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding
17 the date on which it shall have become a law. Effective immediately,
18 the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation neces-
19 sary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are
20 authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05098-01-5
