Extends the effectiveness of chapter 435 of the laws of 2014 relating to defining spearguns and allowing recreational spearfishing in New York's marine and coastal waters

2025 Regular Session

Extends the legal framework for spearguns and recreational spearfishing in New York waters through June 1, 2029, avoiding a lapse.

REFERRED TO RULES

Summary of Bill A 11372 (2025-2026) — New York

Purpose and intent

The bill extends the effectiveness of Chapter 435 of the Laws of 2014, which defined spearguns and allowed recreational spearfishing in New York’s marine and coastal waters.

Specifically, it extends the expiration date of the provisions enacted by that 2014 law (as amended by 2023), keeping the framework for spearguns and recreational spearfishing in place beyond the prior sunset.

Key provisions and changes

Amends Section 3 of Chapter 435 of the Laws of 2014 to:

Change the expiration timing: The act would take effect 90 days after becoming law and would expire and be deemed repealed on June 1, 2029 (replacing a prior expiration date of June 1, 2026).

Immediate effect: The bill itself takes effect immediately, but its sunset extension for the underlying spearfishing framework begins after the 90-day period.

Provisions in plain terms

The statutory framework that defines what constitutes a speargun and permits recreational spearfishing in New York’s marine and coastal waters would remain in force through June 1, 2029.

This is a renewal/extension of the existing policy established in 2014 (with 2023 amendments), not a new policy shift.

Who or what is affected

Recreational spearfishers in New York’s marine and coastal waters (including the equipment defined as spearguns).

Regulatory agencies responsible for enforcing coastal and marine fishing laws (e.g., those implementing spearfishing rules, tagging, licensing, or gear definitions).

Potentially relevant stakeholders such as commercial fishers, coastal communities, environmental conservation groups, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction date: May 14, 2026.

Referral: Referred to the Committee on Environmental Conservation.

Effective dates:

Immediate effect for the act overall.
The substantive expiration extension: 90 days after enactment, with the provisions repealing on June 1, 2029.

Purpose of extension: To maintain the existing legal framework governing spearguns and recreational spearfishing, avoiding a lapse in the permissive framework.

Practical implications

If enacted, recreational spearfishing in New York’s marine/coastal waters would continue under the current definitions and permissions without interruption until mid-2029.

Stakeholders should monitor for any subsequent bills seeking to further extend, modify, or repeal these provisions ahead of the 2029 sunset.