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A 4997

Extends DEC's authority to regulate management of crabs, and prohibits the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial and biomedical purposes

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Burdick and 7 co-sponsors

Bill A 4997 empowers New York's DEC to regulate crab management and bans harvesting horseshoe crabs, protecting them from over-exploitation and ensuring sustainability.

RETURNED TO ASSEMBLY
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Bill Summary · A 4997

Summary of Bill A 4997

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 4997
  • Title: Extends DEC's authority to regulate management of crabs, and prohibits the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial and biomedical purposes
  • Status: Returned to Assembly
  • Introduced: February 10, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 4997 aims to enhance the regulatory authority of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) concerning the management of crab populations. A significant focus of the bill is to prohibit the taking of horseshoe crabs for both commercial and biomedical purposes, thereby aiming to protect these species from over-exploitation and ensure their sustainability.

Key Provisions

  • Regulatory Authority: The bill extends the DEC's authority to manage crab populations, allowing for more comprehensive oversight and regulation.
  • Prohibition on Horseshoe Crabs: It specifically prohibits the taking (catching or harvesting) of horseshoe crabs. This includes restrictions on their use for commercial purposes (such as bait in fisheries) and biomedical purposes (such as for the extraction of Limulus Amebocyte Lysate, used in medical testing).

Affected Parties

  • Fishermen and Commercial Entities: The prohibition on harvesting horseshoe crabs will directly impact commercial fishermen and businesses that rely on horseshoe crabs for bait or biomedical applications.
  • Environmental Groups: Organizations focused on marine conservation may support this bill as it aims to protect vulnerable species and promote ecological balance.
  • Regulatory Agencies: The DEC will have increased responsibilities and authority to enforce these regulations, which may require additional resources and oversight mechanisms.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 10, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee.
  • May 20, 2025: Reported and referred to the Codes Committee.
  • May 28, 2025: Reported and referred to Rules.
  • May 29, 2025: Reported and ordered to third reading.
  • June 5, 2025: Passed in the Assembly and delivered to the Senate.
  • June 11, 2025: Substituted for S 4289, passed in the Senate, and returned to the Assembly.

Related Bills

  • A 10140: A prior-session bill that may have addressed similar issues.
  • S 4289: A companion bill in the Senate that aligns with the objectives of A 4997.

Conclusion

Bill A 4997 represents a significant step towards the protection of crab populations, particularly horseshoe crabs, in New York State. By extending the DEC's regulatory authority and prohibiting certain harvesting practices, the bill seeks to ensure the sustainability of these important marine species. The legislative process is ongoing, with the bill currently returned to the Assembly for further consideration.

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

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