BILL NUMBER:S4368

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in
relation to hunting, fishing and outdoor education in high school
physical education courses

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:  The purpose of this legislation is
to promote hunting, fishing and outdoor activities in an educational
capacity.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Amends subdivision 1 of section 3-0301 of the Environmental
Conservation Law by adding a new paragraph (aa) which authorizes the
commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to
work with the Board of Regents to develop an education program for
grades nine through twelve regarding various hunting and fishing
seasons, species that can be sought, necessary materials for obtaining
hunting and fishing licenses, outdoor opportunities for recreation and
exercise purposes, and the history and benefits of hunting and fishing
in New York State's development.

Section 2: Effective date.

JUSTIFICATION:  Childhood obesity has been acknowledged as a
significant public health issue. Statistics from the Centers for
              

Disease Control show that the rate of overweight high school seniors
in New York has risen from 11.4% in 1999 to 15.4% in 2013, a 35%
increase. Further, the rate of obesity among high school seniors in
New York has risen from 6% to 9.9% over the same time frame, a 65%
increase.

This bill would instruct the Commissioner of DEC to work the Board of
Regents to develop an education program that local school districts
could choose to utilize, relating to hunting, fishing and outdoor
education as a means to present students in grades nine through twelve
with information about outdoor recreation opportunities. It is
anticipated by increasing awareness of outdoor recreation
opportunities, more students will take advantage of them and lead a
more active lifestyle.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:  S.1884 of 2014: Passed Senate, Died in
Assembly Environmental Conservation S.1884 of 2013: Passed Senate,
Died in Assembly Environmental Conservation S.4933 of 2012: Passed
Senate, Died in Assembly Environmental Conservation S.4933 of 2011:
Died on Senate Floor Calendar, Died in Assembly Environmental
Conservation A.3014 of 2010: Died in Assembly Environmental
Conservation A.3014 of 2009: Died in Assembly Environmental
Conservation A.3876 of 2008: Died in Assembly Environmental
Conservation A.3876 of 2007: Died in Assembly Environmental
Conservation A.11017 of 2006: Died in Assembly Environmental
Conservation

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: Minimal.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  This act shall take effect on the first of July next
succeeding the date on which it became law; provided, however that


effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any
rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its
effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed on
or before such effective date.