Prohibits the use of lead ammunition in the taking of wildlife on state-owned land and on land contributing surface water to the New York city water supply

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Harckham and 1 co-sponsor

Bans lead ammunition for hunting on state-owned lands and waters that feed NYC’s water supply, aiming to protect wildlife from lead exposure and safeguard drinking water.

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Bill Summary: S 4954

Overview

S 4954 seeks to prohibit the use of lead ammunition in the taking (hunting) of wildlife on state-owned land and on land that contributes surface water to the New York City water supply. The bill is currently referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee.

What the bill would do

Prohibit the use of lead ammunition for hunting wildlife on designated lands (state-owned lands and lands that feed surface water to the NYC water supply).

The language provided does not include details on timing, penalties, exemptions, or enforcement mechanisms.

Scope and definitions (as indicated)

Covered lands: State-owned property and lands that contribute surface water to the New York City water supply (typically watershed lands that feed NYC’s water system).

Prohibited item: Lead-based ammunition used for the taking of wildlife.

Note: The text provided does not specify definitions for “lead ammunition,” “taking,” or the exact geographic boundaries of the covered lands, nor does it include exceptions, safe-harbor provisions, or enforcement details.

Procedural status

Introduced: February 14, 2025.

Status: Referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee (listed twice in the provided actions).

Primary sponsor: Pete Harckham.

Cosponsor: Brad Hoylman-Sigal.

Sponsors and related measures

Primary sponsor: Pete Harckham; cosponsor: Brad Hoylman-Sigal.

Related or companion measures in prior sessions include: A 8742, A 703, S 5058, S 4976 (prior-session), and A 1089 (companion).

These related bills suggest ongoing interest in lead-ammunition prohibitions and may inform parallel or eventual versions of the proposal.

Potential impact (high-level)

Wildlife and ecosystem health: If enacted, reducing lead exposure from ammunition could benefit wildlife in the covered areas and may have downstream ecological benefits.

NYC watershed protection: By focusing on lands contributing surface water to NYC’s supply, the bill aligns with efforts to safeguard drinking water quality.

Hunters and compliance: Hunters targeting wildlife on the covered lands would be subject to new prohibitions, potentially requiring non-lead ammunition. The bill’s specifics on enforcement, penalties, and timelines would affect how hunters and land managers adapt.

Administrative and enforcement considerations: Implementation would likely involve changes to enforcement protocols, outreach to landowners/land managers, and potential penalties for violations.

Next steps and how to monitor

To understand the full scope, precise language, exemptions, penalties, and implementation timelines, review the bill’s text as it moves through Environmental Conservation and potential floor action.

Track updates from the New York State Senate, especially the Environmental Conservation Committee, and watch for amendments or companion measures in the Assembly (noted as related measures).

If you’d like, I can flag anticipated questions lawmakers frequently address with lead-ammunition bills or compare possible provisions to similar enactments in other states.