Extends the effectiveness of authorizing big game hunting in Albany county

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Fahy

Extends the expiration of the rifle big-game hunting authorization in Albany County from Oct 1, 2026 to Oct 1, 2028.

SUBSTITUTED BY A11464

Summary of Bill S 10542 (2025-2026) – Extends effectiveness of authorizing big game hunting in Albany County

Purpose and intent

The bill extends the effectiveness period for a prior law that authorizes the hunting of big game in Albany County with rifles. The current authorization is set to expire, and this measure prolongs that expiration date to allow the existing program to continue.

Key provisions and changes

Amends subdivision (c) of section 3 of chapter 141 of the laws of 2014 (which authorized big game hunting with rifles in Albany County) as amended by chapter 258 of the Laws of 2024.

The core change is the extension of the act’s non-extension date:

The current text previously provided that the act would expire and be repealed on October 1, 2026.
The bill changes the expiration date to October 1, 2028, effectively extending the authorization for rifle-based big game hunting in Albany County by two additional years.

The act remains otherwise in force; the extension does not appear to alter other substantive elements of the 2014 law beyond extending the sunset.

Who/what would be affected

Albany County, and specifically the program permitting the hunting of big game with rifles within the county, under state environmental conservation law.

Stakeholders include hunters, wildlife management agencies, and local communities within Albany County who rely on or regulate this hunting authorization.

Procedural and timeline aspects

If enacted, the act would take effect immediately.

Sunset extension details:

Original sunset: October 1, 2026.
Extended sunset: October 1, 2028.

The bill’s text indicates a straightforward extension rather than creation of new conditions or program changes beyond the extended expiration.

Legislative history notes the bill was introduced and referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee, with subsequent actions including committee discharge and passage steps in May 2026, and substitution on June 4, 2026.

Additional notes

The bill uses standard “sunset” language common in program authorizations, ensuring a finite period for the authority unless further legislative action is taken to extend again.

No new funding provisions, regulatory changes, or substantive policy alterations beyond the extension are indicated in the text provided.

If you’d like, I can compare this extension to prior versions (2014 act and 2024 amendment) to highlight any nuanced differences or provide a plain-language briefing for stakeholders in Albany County.