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 Introduced by James Skoufis

Extends the legal authorization and definitions for spearguns and recreational spearfishing in New York’s marine waters until June 1, 2029.

SUBSTITUTED BY A11372

Summary of Bill S. 10531 (2025-2026, New York)

Purpose and Intent

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

It builds on amendments previously enacted by Chapter 149 of the Laws of 2023 and continues these provisions for a set additional period.

Key Provisions

Legislative change: The act amends Section 3 of Chapter 435 (as amended by Chapter 149 of 2023) to modify the expiration timeline.

Sunset extension: The existing program and definitions related to spearguns and recreational spearfishing will remain in effect until June 1, 2029. The act specifies the current framework will expire and be repealed on that date unless further legislative action is taken.

Effective Dates

Immediate effect: The act itself takes effect immediately.

Sunset date: The extended effectiveness of the 2014 definitions and authorization for recreational spearfishing is now set to expire on June 1, 2029.

Who/What Is Affected

Regulatory framework: The definition of spearguns and the authorization to participate in recreational spearfishing in New York’s marine and coastal waters under state law.

Public interests: Recreational divers and spearfishers, as well as state environmental agencies that administer marine and coastal fishing rules, are affected insofar as the legal status and duration of current regulations.

Significance and Timeline

The bill does not introduce new regulatory changes beyond extending the sunset date.

If enacted, agencies and stakeholders should plan for continued operations and compliance under the existing spearfishing framework through June 1, 2029.

After June 1, 2029, absent further legislative action, the provisions would be repealed, potentially ending the defined authority for spearguns and recreational spearfishing as previously established.

Notable Details

The bill adds a precise expiration date to the existing law, replacing a prior or unspecified sunset term.

The companion history shows the bill has progressed through committees and is undergoing further consideration (as of the latest action: substitution and floor actions in 2026).

If you need, I can provide a plain-language briefing for recreational anglers and environmental officials or compare this extension to the 2014 and 2023 amendments for broader context.