Relates to extending the authorization for hunting big game by rifle in the county of Niagara

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Ortt

The bill extends rifle hunting for big game in Niagara County but only until October 1, 2028, contingent on sunset provisions in related laws.

DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY

Summary of Bill S.9302 (2025-2026) — New York

Purpose and intent

This bill extends the authorization for hunting big game by rifle within Niagara County. It amends a prior act (Chapter 389 of the Laws of 2024) to adjust the effectiveness and expiration provisions related to that authorization.

Key provisions and changes

Changes to timing and sunset provisions:

Section 5 of the 2024 act previously set certain effective dates and expiration conditions. The current bill specifies how those dates interact with other statutory expiration triggers.
It explicitly ties the amendments to existing sunset mechanisms in related laws:
Paragraph a of subdivision 2 of section 11-0907 of the Environmental Conservation Law, as amended, is subject to expiration and reversion under a historical sunset (Chapter 600 of the Laws of 1993, as amended).
Item (f) of paragraph a of subdivision 2 of section 11-0907, as amended by this bill, is subject to expiration and reversion under another sunset provision (Chapter 152 of the Laws of 2020, as amended).
Sections 3 and 4 of the bill take effect only upon expiration and reversion of the applicable paragraph noted above.
The total act contains an overarching sunset: nothing in the act extends beyond October 1, 2028, at which point the act would expire and be repealed if not renewed or extended by future legislation.

Effective date:

The bill itself states immediate effect, but practical implementation hinges on the sunset mechanics described above.

Who/what is affected

Niagara County residents and visitors who participate in or are affected by big game hunting with rifles.

Statewide environmental conservation and wildlife management agencies implementing hunting regulations in Niagara County.

Counties and stakeholders observing the impact of rifle hunting as a management tool for big game populations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative action history:

Referred to the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee on February 26, 2026.
Passed the Senate on May 28, 2026.
Delivered to the Assembly on May 28, 2026; advanced through the Assembly in subsequent steps not fully detailed here.

Sunset and expiration framework:

The bill’s provisions are designed to expire and be repealed on October 1, 2028, unless renewed.
Its operative sections depend on the expiration of related sunset provisions in other laws (1993 and 2020 sunset schedules), as described in the text.

Notes for readers

The core substantive change is the extension of authorization for hunting big game by rifle in Niagara County, but the bill’s structure makes its full effect contingent on broader sunset provisions in existing law, and it sets an explicit expiration date. If the Legislature does not renew or replace the act, the authorization would lapse on October 1, 2028.

For detailed regulatory language and practical implications (e.g., species covered, season dates, rifle calibers, licensing requirements), refer to the implementing regulations within the Environmental Conservation Law and the related 2024 act (Chapter 389).