Requires the commissioner of environmental conservation to promote education in hunting, fishing and outdoor education in high school physical education courses

BILL NUMBER:S4368

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to hunting, 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 specific provisions

Section 1: Amends subdivision 1 of section 3-0301 of the Environmental Conservation Law by adding a new paragraph (aa) which authorizes the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to work with the Board of Regents to develop an education program for grades nine through twelve regarding various hunting and fishing seasons, species that can be sought, necessary materials for obtaining hunting and fishing licenses, outdoor opportunities for recreation and exercise purposes, and the history and benefits of hunting and fishing in New York State's development.

Section 2: Effective date.

Justification

Childhood obesity has been acknowledged as a significant public health issue. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control show that the rate of overweight high school seniors in New York has risen from 11.4% in 1999 to 15.4% in 2013, a 35% increase. Further, the rate of obesity among high school seniors in New York has risen from 6% to 9.9% over the same time frame, a 65% increase.

This bill would instruct the Commissioner of DEC to work the Board of Regents to develop an education program that local school districts could choose to utilize, relating to hunting, fishing and outdoor education as a means to present students in grades nine through twelve with information about outdoor recreation opportunities. It is anticipated by increasing awareness of outdoor recreation opportunities, more students will take advantage of them and lead a more active lifestyle.

Prior legislative history

S.1884 of 2014: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Environmental Conservation S.1884 of 2013: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Environmental Conservation S.4933 of 2012: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Environmental Conservation S.4933 of 2011: Died on Senate Floor Calendar, Died in Assembly Environmental Conservation A.3014 of 2010: Died in Assembly Environmental Conservation A.3014 of 2009: Died in Assembly Environmental Conservation A.3876 of 2008: Died in Assembly Environmental Conservation A.3876 of 2007: Died in Assembly Environmental Conservation A.11017 of 2006: Died in Assembly Environmental Conservation

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

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 necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.