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Bill > A06872


NY A06872

NY A06872
Authorizes the taking of wildlife by the use of a crossbow; makes related provisions.


summary

Introduced
03/18/2025
In Committee
03/18/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 General Assembly

Bill Summary

AN ACT to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to crossbows; and to repeal certain provisions of such law relating thereto

AI Summary

This bill modifies New York's environmental conservation law to authorize the use of crossbows for hunting wildlife, making several key changes across multiple sections of existing law. The bill lowers the age restriction for crossbow hunting, removes previous prohibitions on crossbow use, and allows hunters aged twelve and older to use crossbows for hunting various types of game, including deer and bear. Specifically, the bill updates provisions related to hunting licenses to include crossbows alongside traditional longbows, revises distance restrictions for discharging crossbows near buildings, and grants the state's environmental conservation department the authority to adopt regulations for crossbow hunting. The legislation also standardizes terminology by replacing references to "longbow" with "archery" in several sections and sets technical specifications for crossbows, such as requiring a minimum fourteen-inch arrow, a minimum draw weight of one hundred pounds, and a minimum overall length of twenty-four inches. These changes effectively integrate crossbows as a recognized hunting method in New York state, expanding hunting options for licensed hunters while maintaining safety and regulatory oversight.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (13)

Last Action

referred to environmental conservation (on 03/18/2025)

bill text


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