Bill > A06581

This bill modifies the New York State Environmental Conservation Law to exclude certain amphibians and reptiles from the definition of "small game" and creates new definitions for wild reptiles and wild amphibians. Specifically, the bill removes native frogs, salamanders, lizards, and other amphibians and reptiles from the small game category, with exceptions for bullfrogs and common snapping turtles. The legislation updates multiple sections of the law to reflect these changes, including modifications to fishing license provisions, hunting regulations, and wildlife classification. The bill introduces new definitions that categorize most native lizards, turtles (except common snapping turtles), toads, salamanders, newts, and frogs (except bullfrogs) as "protected wildlife" rather than small game. This means these species will have different legal protections and cannot be hunted or taken in the same manner as small game animals. The changes are intended to provide additional conservation protections for native amphibian and reptile species while maintaining specific exceptions for bullfrogs and common snapping turtles. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6581