What's happening
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee the right to hunt, trap, and fish in New York State.
Why it matters
Elevates hunting, trapping, and fishing to a constitutional right. , making it much harder for future legislatures or courts to significantly restrict or ban these activities in New York State.
Mandates state management of wildlife to ensure ongoing opportunities. for hunting, fishing, and trapping “by traditional means and methods,” which could limit the extent of possible future restrictions based on animal welfare, ecological, or public safety concerns.
Frames these activities as a core part of New York’s heritage. , which could influence how state agencies prioritize resources and decision-making, possibly boosting support for related industries (like outdoor recreation, sporting goods, and tourism).
Still allows for “reasonable regulation”. by the state, so while the right is protected, the legislature and agencies retain some authority to set rules for conservation, safety, and species management—potentially leading to legal challenges over what constitutes “reasonable.”
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Who cares
Headline styles
Protect Right to Hunt
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
7 Co-sponsors
2 Multi-sponsors
History
- Opinion referred to judiciary
- To attorney-general for opinion
- Referred to environmental conservation
- Opinion referred to judiciary
- To attorney-general for opinion
- Referred to environmental conservation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Protect Right to Hunt, Fish
In Senate Committee · Judiciary · Sponsor Robert Ortt
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3701
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 30, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. GUNTHER, STECK, COOK, PALMESANO, GIGLIO, BARCLAY, MONTESANO, BRABENEC -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. HAWLEY, STEC -read once and referred to the Committee on Environmental Conservation
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment to the constitution, in relation to the right to hunt, trap and fish
Section 1. Resolved (if the Senate concur), That article 20 of the constitution be renumbered article 21 and a new article 20 be added to read as follows:
ARTICLE XX
Right to Hunt, Trap and Fish
Section 1. Hunting, trapping, and fishing and the taking of wild animals, birds and fish are a valued part of our heritage and will be forever preserved for the people. Fish and wildlife shall be managed by state laws and regulations that provide persons with the continued opportunity to take, by traditional means and methods, species traditionally pursued by hunters, anglers and trappers. Fish and wildlife management, including taking, shall be consistent with the state's duty to protect this heritage and its duty to conserve wild animals, birds, and fish, and shall be subject to reasonable regulation as prescribed by state statute.
§ 2. Resolved (if the Senate concur), That the foregoing amendment be referred to the first regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding general election of members of the Assembly, and, in conformity with section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, be published for 3 months previous to the time of such election.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD89003-01-9
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.