Establishes a New York native plants designation

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rachel May

Establishes a New York native plants designation to promote and label native species, guiding agencies, landscapers, and buyers to prioritize local, ecosystem-friendly plantings.

RETURNED TO SENATE

Overview

S. 7359, introduced April 10, 2025 by Senator Rachel May, aims to establish a formal New York native plants designation. The bill, currently "RETURNED TO SENATE," has a companion bill in the Assembly (A. 7964). A substitute version, S. 7359A, was substituted for A7964A during the legislative process.

Purpose and intent

Create a program or framework to identify and promote plants that are native to New York State.

Encourage the use of native plants in landscaping, restoration, and related public and private projects.

Provide a recognizable designation to assist decision-making by consumers, landscapers, government agencies, and environmental groups.

Note: The text provided here does not include the bill’s actual provisions. The summary reflects the bill’s title, sponsorship, and stated legislative trajectory. For precise definitions, criteria, and requirements, the official bill language should be consulted.

Key provisions (based on title and context)

Establishment of a New York native plants designation.

Likely criteria for what qualifies as a “New York native plant,” along with any certification or labeling processes.

Possible guidance or requirements for state agencies, municipalities, and contractors to prioritize or acknowledge designated native species.

Potential coordination with agricultural, environmental, or natural resources agencies to administer the designation.

Possible implications for education, outreach, or funding, given committee referrals and amendments.

Note: Specific statutory language, definitions, scope, and any penalties or incentives are not included in the provided materials.

Affected parties

State agencies and authorities involved in agriculture, environmental conservation, parks, and procurement.

Landscape professionals, nurseries, and horticultural businesses engaged in selling or promoting native plants.

Local governments, conservation groups, and individuals undertaking landscaping, restoration, or habitat projects.

Consumers seeking guidance on plant selections for ecological and biodiversity goals.

Procedural and timeline aspects

April 10, 2025: Bill introduced (S. 7359) and referred to Agriculture.

May 14, 2025: 1st Assembly/Committee activity (1st Report CAL.1123).

May 19, 2025: Amended (Technical) as 7359A; advanced to third reading.

June 5, 2025: Passed the Senate; delivered to the Assembly.

June 5–6, 2025: Referred to Ways and Means in the Assembly; substituted for A. 7964A.

June 6, 2025: Passed the Assembly (in substituted form); returned to the Senate.

Current status: Returned to Senate, with the latest actions indicating continuation in the legislative process.

Next steps for stakeholders

Review the official text of S. 7359 and S. 7359A (and the companion A. 7964) to understand precise definitions, eligibility criteria, designation process, labeling requirements, and funding provisions.

Monitor committee actions and votes in the Senate for updates on final disposition or potential enactment.

Consider implications for procurement policies, landscaping projects, and restoration initiatives if the designation becomes law.

If you’d like, I can pull together a side-by-side comparison once the exact language of S. 7359A (and A. 7964) is available.

Bill