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Bill

A 417

Expands the definition of crops, livestock and livestock products to include cannabis

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Donna Lupardo

Expands NY agricultural definitions to include cannabis as crops, livestock, and livestock products, enabling cannabis producers to access farm programs, tax status, and regs.

SIGNED CHAP.2
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 417

Summary of Assembly Bill A 417

Overview

A 417 proposes to expand New York law by including cannabis within the statutory definitions of crops, livestock, and livestock products. The bill was introduced on January 8, 2025, underwent the standard committee and floor actions, and was signed into law as Chapter 2 on January 27, 2025. The primary sponsor is Assemblymember Donna Lupardo. A companion bill exists in the Senate as S 780.

What the bill does

  • Expands the definitions of the following terms to explicitly include cannabis:
    • crops
    • livestock
    • livestock products
  • By redefining these categories to encompass cannabis, the bill extends the reach of agricultural-related laws, programs, and regulatory frameworks to cannabis production and related activities.

Key provisions (highlights)

  • Amendment to existing statute definitions to explicitly reference cannabis within the agricultural framework.
  • Aligns cannabis activity with agricultural classifications, potentially affecting eligibility for agricultural programs, reporting, and regulatory treatment under relevant statutes.
  • The changes apply across the same contexts where crops, livestock, and livestock products are recognized, thereby influencing how cannabis producers may engage with agriculture-related benefits or obligations.

Who is affected

  • Cannabis producers and processors operating under New York’s agricultural system.
  • Farmers and agricultural businesses that may rely on existing definitions to access programs, services, or regulatory standards applicable to crops, livestock, and livestock products.
  • Stakeholders who interact with agricultural policy, farm financing, extension services, crop insurance, tax classifications, and related agricultural regulations.

Legislative history and timeline

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • January 21–22, 2025: Passed Assembly, delivered to Senate, then passed Senate (including 3rd reading and committee steps)
  • January 23–27, 2025: Delivered to Governor; signed into law as Chapter 2 on January 27, 2025
  • Companion: S 780 (Senate)

Implementation and effective date

  • The bill’s signature creates Chapter 2 of the laws for 2025, but the summary does not specify an explicit separate effective date. In many cases, such amendments become effective on the date of enactment or as otherwise provided in the enrolled statute; readers should consult the enrolled bill or official statute text for the exact effective date and any transitional provisions.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Cannabis producers may gain access to agricultural definitions, which could influence eligibility for farming programs, tax classifications, regulatory oversight, and support services traditionally available to crops and livestock sectors.
  • Could alter how cannabis activities are regulated within agricultural policy frameworks, including reporting, compliance, and program participation.
  • Since a companion bill exists (S 780), coordination between the Assembly and Senate iterations may shape final regulatory detail and implementation.

Sponsor

  • Primary sponsor: Assemblymember Donna Lupardo

For readers seeking the precise statutory language, implementation dates, or regulatory details, refer to the enrolled bill text and the official New York legislative digest accompanying Chapter 2 of 2025.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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