§ 142-b. The New York native plant seed supply, development and
enhancement program. 1. The commissioners of the department, the
department of environmental conservation, and the department of economic
development shall establish a New York native plant seed supply,
development and enhancement program.

2. The purpose of such program shall be to:

(a) increase the production of native plant seeds at plant nurseries
in the state;

(b) increase the use of native plant seeds in public land management,
roadside landscaping, reforestation, pollinator promotion, habitat
restoration, regular groundskeeping and maintenance on state lands, and
other projects as determined by the commissioners of the department, the
department of environmental conservation, and economic development; and

(c) ensure that native plant seeds are commercially available in the
state at a reasonable cost and in adequate supply.

3. No later than one year after the effective date of this section,
the commissioners shall promulgate rules and regulations for the
establishment of the program, including an initial list of plants whose
seeds are eligible for consideration to participate in such program.

4. Funds for the program shall be subject to appropriation and may be
used to establish growing operations managed by the state or to support
private entities that can increase the state's native plant seed supply.

5. As used in this section, "native plant seed" means a germinating
seed, or other plant part, used to propagate a plant, that originates
from a plant species that is indigenous to New York state.

6. Whenever possible and practicable, the state shall make use of
native plant seeds when engaging in public land management, roadside
landscaping, reforestation, pollinator promotion, habitat restoration,
regular groundskeeping and maintenance on state lands, and other
projects as determined by the commissioners of the department, the
department of environmental conservation, and the department of economic
development.