Extends provisions of law relating to the taking of sharks

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Harckham

Extends New York’s shark-taking regulations through December 31, 2028, preserving current rules, protections, and enforcement without new policy changes.

ADVANCED TO THIRD READING

Summary of Bill S. 9588 (2025-2026, New York)

Purpose and intent

This act extends provisions of law relating to the taking of sharks originally enacted in 2014, as amended most recently by chapter 182 of the laws of 2024.

The primary purpose is to prolong the regulations governing the taking of sharks in New York, ensuring continued regulatory oversight and framework beyond the current expiration.

Key provisions and changes

The bill amends section 2 of chapter 378 of the laws of 2014 (the shark-take provisions), as amended by chapter 182 of the laws of 2024.

Effective date: The act is stated to take effect immediately.

Sunset provision: The expiration date is extended to December 31, 2028. This supersedes the prior expiration date, effectively renewing the shark-take regulatory framework for an additional period.

The language indicates a straightforward extension of the existing regulatory regime without introducing new substantive changes to the underlying shark-taking rules, only prolonging their validity.

Affected parties and scope

Agencies: State environmental and wildlife authorities (notably the Department of Environmental Conservation) maintain regulatory authority over shark taking.

Stakeholders: Recreational and commercial fishers, wildlife conservation groups, researchers, and any entities involved in activities related to catching or handling sharks within New York waters.

The extension ensures continued regulatory requirements, reporting, conservation measures, and enforcement mechanisms currently in place remain in effect through 2028.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative progress: Introduced by Sen. Harckham (co-sponsored by Pete Harckham).

Committee and readings: Referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee; progressed through the standard legislative calendar (advanced to third reading as of May 7, 2026; previous reports dated May 5–6, 2026; initial referral March 26, 2026).

Effective date and sunset: Immediate effectiveness upon enactment; expiration/deemed repeal set for December 31, 2028, unless further legislative action extends or modifies it.

Overall impact

The bill provides a two-year extension (through the end of 2028) of New York’s shark-taking regulatory framework, preserving current rules, protections, and enforcement mechanisms without introducing new policy changes.

It offers continuity for conservation goals, fishery management, and compliance processes related to shark species within the state.