What's happening
This bill prohibits the sale and introduction of live genetically modified salmon in New York State.
Why it matters
Aims to address ecological risks. by preventing genetically modified (GM) salmon—which could potentially escape or be released—into New York’s natural waterways, where they might disrupt local fish populations or ecosystems.
Defines “genetically modified salmon” broadly. , capturing any salmon altered through advanced genetic engineering techniques (like recombinant DNA or cell fusion), not just those modified by traditional breeding.
Closes regulatory loopholes. by forbidding both sale and state authorization for introduction of GM salmon, ensuring that neither commercial interests nor aquaculture operations can bypass the restriction.
Reflects consumer and environmental concerns. around transparency, food safety, and the long-term impacts of GM organisms in the environment—potentially setting a precedent for policy in other states.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban GMO Salmon Sales
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
7 Co-sponsors
4 Multi-sponsors
History
- Referred to environmental conservation
- Referred to environmental conservation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4494
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 2, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. PRETLOW, DINOWITZ, M. G. MILLER, RICHARDSON, ABINANTI, RIVERA, COLTON, BICHOTTE -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. COOK, GLICK, HOOPER, SIMON -- read once and referred to the Committee on Environmental Conservation
AN ACT to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to prohibiting the sale of live genetically modified salmon
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 11-1703 of the environmental conservation law is amended by adding a new subdivision 8 to read as follows:
8. No person shall sell or knowingly introduce into a free-living state, live genetically modified salmon. Under this subdivision, genetically modified salmon shall mean produced from or with an organism or organisms with genetics altered materially through the application of:
(a) in vitro nucleic acid techniques, including but not limited to recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) techniques and the direct injection of nucleic acid into cells or organelles; or
(b) the fusion of cells beyond the taxonomic family that overcomes natural physiological, reproductive, or recombinant barriers and that are not techniques used in traditional breeding and selection.
§ 2. Subdivision 3 of section 11-1911 of the environmental conservation law is amended to read as follows:
3. No person shall release any species of fish into a farm fish pond unless permission to do so is first obtained from the department. Provided, however, under no circumstances shall the department authorize the introduction of genetically engineered salmon as defined in subdivision eight of section 11-1708 of this article.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD09117-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.