Bill > A07074

This bill amends the New York Environmental Conservation Law to increase penalties for repeat environmental offenders by creating new provisions that elevate criminal charges for individuals who commit multiple environmental violations within a ten-year period. Specifically, the bill modifies sections related to endangering public health, safety, or the environment by adding a new clause to each degree of offense (fourth, third, second, and first degree) that allows for enhanced penalties when a person has previously been convicted of a similar environmental crime within the preceding ten years. For example, a person who commits the fifth-degree environmental endangerment offense and has a prior conviction within ten years would now be charged with fourth-degree endangerment, and similarly for subsequent degrees. The bill also updates language throughout the sections to use gender-neutral terms like "such person" instead of "he" or "he or she" and expands the definitions of hazardous substances and disposal activities. Additionally, the bill modifies sections on unlawful dealing in hazardous wastes or substances to broaden the scope of prohibited actions and align terminology. The changes are designed to strengthen environmental protection by creating more significant consequences for repeated environmental violations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7074