BILL NUMBER:S1884

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

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

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  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:  Recent studies have pointed out that more and more chil-
dren are becoming more and more obese due to their lack of activity  and
              

distorted  eating  habits. In order to change this situation and develop
healthier children, it is essential  that  they  become  more  aware  of
opportunities that exist for them.

To support this, it is essential that children become aware of the bene-
fits  that can he seen in hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation.  With
the vast resources available throughout New York, children will be  able
to engage in various activities that lead to a healthier lifestyle.

Creating  a  healthier  lifestyle  is beneficial; however, it is not the
only benefit that will be seen. One of the  other  significant  benefits
recognized  is  the creation of a link to the history and development of
our state. Various regions of the state have significant cultural  links
to  outdoor  activities. Providing education in the classroom will teach
children about these links and  how  the  activities  have  created  the
culture.

In addition to creating a healthier lifestyle and providing insight into
the  cultural  significance  of  an  area  and its activities, providing
education in the classroom will also lead to place hunting, fishing  and
outdoor recreation in a positive light.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

S.4933  of 2012: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Environmental Conserva-
tion S.4933 of 2011: Died on Senate Floor  Calendar,  Died  in  Assembly
Environmental  Conservation  A.3014  of  2010: Died in Assembly Environ-
mental 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 effec-
tive date is authorized and directed to be  made  and  completed  on  or
before such effective date.