New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00442

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  
Report Pass
1/14/25  
Refer
1/14/25  

Caption

Establishes a native plant and seed supply, development and enhancement program; requires the commissioners of the departments of agriculture and markets, environmental conservation and economic development to develop a list of plants and seeds eligible for consideration in such program; makes related provisions.

Summary

Bill A00442 aims to establish a native plant and seed supply, development, and enhancement program in New York State. The program will be overseen by the commissioners of the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Department of Economic Development. Its primary goals include increasing the production and use of native plant seeds in various public land management projects, ensuring their commercial availability at reasonable costs, and maintaining a list of eligible native plant species that can adapt to climate changes. The bill emphasizes the importance of native plants in ecological restoration and sustainable land management practices.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will amend the agriculture and markets law to formalize a program dedicated to the cultivation and use of native plant seeds. This will likely lead to increased biodiversity in state-managed lands and promote ecological resilience against climate change. It may also create economic opportunities for local nurseries and businesses involved in the production and sale of native plant seeds, thereby positively impacting local economies and environmental health.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill A00442 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the unanimous support in committee votes, with 23 votes in favor from the Assembly Agriculture Committee and 31 votes in favor from the Assembly Rules Committee. Stakeholders involved in agriculture, environmental conservation, and economic development have expressed support for the initiative, recognizing its potential benefits for ecological sustainability and local economies.

Contention

While there has been broad support for the bill, some stakeholders have raised concerns regarding the implementation details, specifically the adequacy of funding and resources allocated to support the program. Questions have also been raised about the criteria for selecting eligible native plant species and ensuring that the program effectively meets its goals without unintended consequences on local ecosystems.

Companion Bills

NY S00794

Same As Establishes a native plant and seed supply, development and enhancement program; requires the commissioners of the departments of agriculture and markets, environmental conservation and economic development to develop a list of plants and seeds eligible for consideration in such program; makes related provisions.

Previously Filed As

NY S00794

Establishes a native plant and seed supply, development and enhancement program; requires the commissioners of the departments of agriculture and markets, environmental conservation and economic development to develop a list of plants and seeds eligible for consideration in such program; makes related provisions.

NY A08215

Requires certain information to be included on labeling of native plant seeds for sale or distribution in New York state; requires the commissioner of agriculture and markets to promulgate certain requirements for labeling of native plant seeds; makes related provisions.

NY S07394

Requires certain information to be included on labeling of native plant seeds for sale or distribution in New York state; requires the commissioner of agriculture and markets to promulgate certain requirements for labeling of native plant seeds; makes related provisions.

NY A07964

Directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets, acting by and through the department of economic development, in cooperation with the department of environmental conservation, to establish a New York native plants designation, and offer seals or logos identifying native plants as grown in New York state and certified for their quality, for product labeling, advertising, and displays.

NY S07359

Directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets, acting by and through the department of economic development, in cooperation with the department of environmental conservation, to establish a New York native plants designation, and offer seals or logos identifying native plants as grown in New York state and certified for their quality, for product labeling, advertising, and displays.

NY HB2317

Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act of 2025 Fernley Economic Development Act Elko Economic Development Act Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act

NY A09478

Directs the department of agriculture and markets, in cooperation with the department of environmental conservation, to establish standards for designation of native plants, to develop a list of native plants that indicates and differentiates between native plants that are indigenous to New York state and those that are native plants found elsewhere in the United States that are likely to shift or expand their range into NY, to establish a New York native plant designation, and to offer seals or logos identifying native plants as grown in New York state; defines "native plants".

NY S08779

Directs the department of agriculture and markets, in cooperation with the department of environmental conservation, to establish standards for designation of native plants, to develop a list of native plants that indicates and differentiates between native plants that are indigenous to New York state and those that are native plants found elsewhere in the United States that are likely to shift or expand their range into NY, to establish a New York native plant designation, and to offer seals or logos identifying native plants as grown in New York state; defines "native plants".

NY HB4040

Agriculture and timber economic development; issue bonds and establish program for.

NY HCR192

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Establish A Native Hawaiian Economic Development Working Group.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.