Senator Gallivan's Bill to Crackdown on Illegal Hunting is Signed Into Law

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) announces a bill (S.6557) to increase the penalty for those who hunt, trap or fish after having their license suspended or revoked has been signed into law by the governor.  The legislation amends environmental conservation law to make such a violation a misdemeanor.  Senator Gallivan sponsored the bill at the request of NYS Environmental Conservation Police Officers and in consultation with organizations representing hunters and other sportsmen and women. 

“Currently, hunting with a suspended license is a violation under the law and is not considered a strong enough deterrent in preventing this illegal activity,” Senator Gallivan said.  “By increasing the penalty, we hope to reduce or eliminate such instances to better protect those sportsmen and women who care about our environment, abide by the rules and respect the law.”

There are many circumstances in which a hunter or trapper may have their license suspended or revoked, including causing death or injury to a person, negligently discharging a weapon that endangers the life or safety of others, damaging or destroying public or private property and the illegal taking of game.

As a misdemeanor, those caught hunting, trapping or fishing with a suspended or revoked license could face up to 90-days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. 

The Senate and the Assembly unanimously passed the legislation in June.  The governor signed the bill this week and it will take effect in May 2020.  Assemblyman Sean Ryan sponsored the bill in the Assembly.

-30-