NY State Senate Bill 2017-S2557D

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Agriculture Committee

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Delivered to Governor
Signed By Governor

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Actions

View Actions

Date of Action	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
May 09, 2018	print number 2557d
May 09, 2018	amend and recommit to agriculture
Feb 09, 2018	print number 2557c
Feb 09, 2018	amend and recommit to agriculture
Jan 03, 2018	referred to agriculture
Jun 15, 2017	print number 2557b
Jun 15, 2017	amend and recommit to finance
Jun 01, 2017	print number 2557a
Jun 01, 2017	amend (t) and recommit to finance
May 16, 2017	reported and committed to finance
Jan 13, 2017	referred to agriculture

Votes

- May 16, 2017 - Agriculture Committee Vote
  S2557D
  
  Aye
  
  10
  
  Nay
  
  0
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  1
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  
  0
  - - Agriculture Committee Vote: May 16, 2017
      
      aye (10)
      
      Brooks
      
      Comrie
      
      Funke
      
      Gallivan
      
      Montgomery
      
      O'Mara
      
      Ranzenhofer
      
      Ritchie
      
      Serrano
      
      Valesky
      
      aye wr (1)
      
      Seward

Bill Amendments

Original

D (Active)

co-Sponsors

2017-S2557 - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A1279
Current Committee:: Senate Agriculture
Law Section:: Agriculture and Markets Law
Laws Affected:: Add §381, Ag & Mkts L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2011-2012: A9576
2013-2014: A741
2015-2016: S6919, A346
2019-2020: A277
2021-2022: A162
2023-2024: A71
2025-2026: A181

2017-S2557 - Summary

Creates a task force on animal laws and requires reporting to the governor and legislature of recommendations on how to increase statewide uniformity of such.

2017-S2557 - Sponsor Memo

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S2557

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in
relation to establishing a task force to study how to improve
investigations of animal abuse and enforcement of anti-animal abuse
laws; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration
thereof

 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :

To create a Task Force to study the various methods and strategies
employed Statewide to investigate animal abuse and enforce anti-abuse
laws.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :

Section one of this bill amends the Agriculture and Markets Law by
adding a new section 380. This new section creates the task force on
how to improve investigations of animal abuse and enforcement of
anti-animal abuse laws. This task force will have nine members. The
task force is charged to study current law enforcement practices in
the areas of animal abuse investigation and anti-animal abuse law
enforcement and make recommendations to increase the effectiveness of
such practices. Finally, the task force must submit a preliminary
report to the Governor and the Legislature no later than one year
after the effective date of new section 380.

Section two of this bill provides that this act shall take effect on
the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law and shall expire
twenty-four months after it shall have become a law when upon such
date the provisions of this act shall be deemed repealed.

 JUSTIFICATION :

Across the State of New York, investigations into animal cruelty and
the enforcement of anti-abuse laws vary widely by county or
municipality. While New York City utilizes humane law enforcement to
conduct investigations and enforce anti-animal abuse laws, other
jurisdictions rely on traditional law enforcement agencies such as the
police department and district attorneys. Certain localities are well
funded and use sophisticated strategies to combat abuse while others
lack the requisite manpower and technology.

This legislation will create a task force to investigate these
disparate practices. The ultimate goal of this task force is to
present a comprehensive, unified view of the State's animal protection
strategies. It is certain that as information is shared more
effectively among agencies, limited resources available can be
employed with much greater efficiency.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

2016: S.6919 - Referred to Agriculture

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

Undetermined

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have
become a law and shall expire twenty-four months after it shall have
become a law when upon such date the provisions of this act shall be
deemed repealed.

2017-S2557 - Bill Text download pdf

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                   2557
 
                        2017-2018 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                             January 13, 2017
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sens.  GOLDEN, O'MARA -- read twice and ordered printed,
   and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Agriculture
 
 AN ACT to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation  to  estab-
   lishing  a task force to study how to improve investigations of animal
   abuse and enforcement of anti-animal abuse laws; and providing for the
   repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1. The agriculture and markets law is amended by adding a new
 section 380 to read as follows:
   § 380.  TASK FORCE ON HOW TO IMPROVE INVESTIGATIONS  OF  ANIMAL  ABUSE
 AND  ENFORCEMENT  OF ANTI-ANIMAL ABUSE LAWS. 1. THE TASK FORCE ON HOW TO
 IMPROVE INVESTIGATIONS OF ANIMAL ABUSE AND  ENFORCEMENT  OF  ANTI-ANIMAL
 ABUSE  LAWS  IS HEREBY CREATED TO EXAMINE, EVALUATE AND DETERMINE HOW TO
 IMPROVE INVESTIGATIONS OF ANIMAL ABUSE AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF  ANTI-ANI-
 MAL ABUSE LAWS.
   2.(A) SUCH TASK FORCE SHALL CONSIST OF NINE MEMBERS, EACH TO SERVE FOR
 A  TERM  OF  ONE  CALENDAR  YEAR.    SUCH  MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED AS
 FOLLOWS: ONE SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR; ONE SHALL BE  APPOINTED
 BY  THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE; ONE SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE
 MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE; ONE SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER  OF
 THE  ASSEMBLY;  ONE  SHALL  BE  APPOINTED  BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE
 ASSEMBLY; ONE SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF  THE  DEPARTMENT
 OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION; ONE SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSION-
 ER  OF  HEALTH  AND THE REMAINING TWO MEMBERS SHALL  BE APPOINTED BY THE
 COMMISSIONER. APPOINTMENTS SHALL BE MADE WITHIN SIXTY DAYS OF THE EFFEC-
 TIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION. VACANCIES IN THE TASK FORCE SHALL  BE  FILLED
 IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS.
   (B)  ALL  APPOINTEES  SHALL  HAVE  EXPERTISE  IN FIELDS OR DISCIPLINES
 RELATED TO ANIMALS, ANIMAL ABUSE AND/OR INVESTIGATIONS. ALL APPOINTMENTS
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD04950-01-7

 S. 2557                             2
 
 SHALL BE COORDINATED TO  ENSURE  GEOGRAPHIC  REPRESENTATION  FROM    THE
 ENTIRE STATE.
   (C)  THE  TASK  FORCE  SHALL  BE  CHAIRED BY ONE OF THE COMMISSIONER'S
 APPOINTEES. THE TASK FORCE SHALL ELECT A VICE-CHAIR AND OTHER  NECESSARY
 OFFICERS FROM AMONG ALL APPOINTED MEMBERS.
   (D)  A  MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE THEN IN OFFICE SHALL
 CONSTITUTE A QUORUM FOR THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS OR THE  EXERCISE  OF
 ANY  POWER OR FUNCTION OF THE TASK FORCE. AN ACT, DETERMINATION OR DECI-
 SION OF THE MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT DURING  THE  PRESENCE  OF  A
 QUORUM  SHALL  BE  HELD TO BE THE ACT, DETERMINATION, OR DECISION OF THE
 TASK FORCE.
   (E) THE TASK FORCE SHALL MEET AT LEAST QUARTERLY AT THE  CALL  OF  THE
 CHAIR.  MEETINGS MAY BE HELD VIA TELECONFERENCE. SPECIAL MEETINGS MAY BE
 CALLED BY THE CHAIR AT THE REQUEST OF A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS  OF  THE
 TASK FORCE.
   (F)  MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE SHALL RECEIVE NO COMPENSATION FOR THEIR
 SERVICES BUT SHALL BE REIMBURSED FOR THEIR ACTUAL EXPENSES  INCURRED  IN
 THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES IN THE WORK OF THE TASK FORCE.
   3. THE TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED SHALL:
   (A) STUDY CURRENT ANIMAL ABUSE INVESTIGATION AND ANTI-ANIMAL ABUSE LAW
 ENFORCEMENT PRACTICES; AND
   (B)  RECOMMEND  ANIMAL  ABUSE  INVESTIGATION AND ANTI-ANIMAL ABUSE LAW
 ENFORCEMENT PRACTICES TO INCREASE EFFECTIVENESS ACROSS THE STATE.
   4. THE TASK FORCE MAY ESTABLISH SUCH ADVISORY COMMITTEES AS  IT  DEEMS
 APPROPRIATE  ON  MATTERS  RELATING TO THE TASK FORCE'S FUNCTIONS, POWERS
 AND DUTIES. SUCH COMMITTEES SHALL BE CHAIRED BY A TASK FORCE MEMBER, BUT
 MAY BE COMPOSED OF TASK FORCE  MEMBERS  AS  WELL  AS  OTHER  INDIVIDUALS
 SELECTED  BY THE TASK FORCE TO PROVIDE EXPERTISE OF INTEREST SPECIFIC TO
 THE CHARGE OF SUCH COMMITTEE.
   5. THE TASK FORCE MAY, AS IT DEEMS APPROPRIATE, REQUEST THAT  STUDIES,
 SURVEYS,  OR  ANALYSES RELATING TO THE TASK FORCE'S POWERS AND DUTIES BE
 PERFORMED BY ANY STATE DEPARTMENT, COMMISSION, AGENCY OR PUBLIC AUTHORI-
 TY. ALL STATE DEPARTMENTS, COMMISSIONS, AGENCIES OR  PUBLIC  AUTHORITIES
 SHALL  PROVIDE  INFORMATION  AND ADVICE IN A TIMELY MANNER AND OTHERWISE
 ASSIST THE TASK FORCE WITH ITS WORK.
   6. THE TASK FORCE SHALL SUBMIT A  REQUEST  FOR  ANY  APPROPRIATION  AS
 SHALL BE NECESSARY TO ENABLE THE TASK FORCE TO PERFORM ITS FUNCTIONS AND
 DUTIES  TO  THE  GOVERNOR,  DIRECTOR  OF THE DIVISION OF THE BUDGET, AND
 CHAIRPERSONS OF THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND THE ASSEMBLY  WAYS  AND
 MEANS COMMITTEE. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE STAFF SERVICES TO THE TASK
 FORCE  AND  SUCH OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR
 THE TASK FORCE TO CARRY OUT ITS DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND POWERS.
   7. THE TASK FORCE MAY HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS, TAKE  TESTIMONY  AND  MAKE
 INVESTIGATIONS AT SUCH PLACES AS IT DEEMS NECESSARY.
   8.  THE TASK FORCE SHALL MAKE A PRELIMINARY REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND
 THE LEGISLATURE OF ITS FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIV-
 ITIES ALREADY UNDERTAKEN BY THE TASK FORCE,  NOT  LATER  THAN  ONE  YEAR
 AFTER  THE  EFFECTIVE  DATE  OF  THIS SECTION, AND A FINAL REPORT OF ITS
 FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIVITIES ALREADY UNDERTAKEN
 BY THE TASK FORCE, NOT LATER THAN TWO YEARS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE  OF
 THIS  SECTION AND SHALL SUBMIT WITH ITS REPORTS LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS AS
 IT DEEMS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS.
   § 2. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth  day  after  it  shall
 have  become  a  law  and shall expire twenty-four months after it shall
 have become a law when upon such date the provisions of this  act  shall
 be deemed repealed.

co-Sponsors

2017-S2557A - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A1279
Current Committee:: Senate Agriculture
Law Section:: Agriculture and Markets Law
Laws Affected:: Add §381, Ag & Mkts L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2011-2012: A9576
2013-2014: A741
2015-2016: S6919, A346
2019-2020: A277
2021-2022: A162
2023-2024: A71
2025-2026: A181

2017-S2557A - Summary

Creates a task force on animal laws and requires reporting to the governor and legislature of recommendations on how to increase statewide uniformity of such.

2017-S2557A - Sponsor Memo

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S2557A

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in
relation to establishing a task force on animal laws; and providing
for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :

To create a Task Force to study the various methods and strategies
employed Statewide to investigate animal abuse and enforce anti-abuse
laws.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :

Section one of this bill amends the Agriculture and Markets Law by
adding a new section 380. This new section creates the task force on
how to improve investigations of animal abuse and enforcement of
anti-animal abuse laws. This task force will have seventeen members.
The task force must meet quarterly and is required to study current
law enforcement practices in the areas of animal abuse investigation
and anti-animal abuse law enforcement and make recommendations to
increase the effectiveness of such practices. Finally, the task force
must submit a preliminary report to the Governor and the Legislature
no later than one year after the effective date of new section 380.

Section two of this bill provides that this act shall take effect on

the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law and shall expire
twenty-four months after it shall have become a law when upon such
date the provisions of this act shall be deemed repealed.

 JUSTIFICATION :

Across the State of New York, investigations into animal cruelty and
the enforcement of anti-abuse laws vary widely by county or
municipality. While New York City utilizes humane law enforcement to
conduct investigations and enforce anti-animal abuse laws, other
jurisdictions rely on traditional law enforcement agencies such as the
police department and district attorneys. Certain localities are well
funded and use sophisticated strategies to combat abuse while others
lack the requisite manpower and technology.  This legislation will
create a task force to investigate these disparate practices. The
ultimate goal of this task force is to present a comprehensive,
unified view of the State's animal protection strategies. It is
certain that as information is shared more effectively among agencies,
limited resources available can be employed with much greater
efficiency.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

2016: S.6919 - Referred to Agriculture

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

Undetermined

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have
become a law and shall expire twenty-four months after it shall have
become a law when upon such date the provisions of this act shall be
deemed repealed.

2017-S2557A - Bill Text download pdf

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  2557--A
 
                        2017-2018 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                             January 13, 2017
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sens.  GOLDEN,  MURPHY, O'MARA -- read twice and ordered
   printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Agricul-
   ture -- reported favorably from said committee and  committed  to  the
   Committee  on  Finance  -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered
   reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee

 AN ACT to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation  to  estab-
   lishing  a  task force on animal laws; and providing for the repeal of
   such provisions upon expiration thereof
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1. The agriculture and markets law is amended by adding a new
 section 380 to read as follows:
   § 380.  TASK FORCE ON ANIMAL LAWS. 1. THE TASK FORCE ON THE  STATE  OF
 ANIMAL  LAWS IS HEREBY CREATED TO EXAMINE, EVALUATE AND DETERMINE HOW TO
 IMPROVE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN  ANIMALS  AND  HUMANS  AND  THE  ANIMAL
 PROTECTION LAWS.
   2.(A)  SUCH  TASK  FORCE  SHALL  CONSIST OF SEVENTEEN MEMBERS, EACH TO
 SERVE FOR A TERM OF ONE CALENDAR YEAR.  SUCH MEMBERS SHALL BE  APPOINTED
 AS  FOLLOWS:  ONE  SHALL  BE APPOINTED BY THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE
 SENATE; ONE SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE; ONE
 SHALL BE APPOINTED  BY  THE  SPEAKER  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY;  ONE  SHALL  BE
 APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY; ONE SHALL BE APPOINTED
 BY THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION; ONE
 SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH; ONE SHALL BE APPOINTED
 BY  THE SECRETARY OF STATE; ONE SHALL  BE APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSIONER;
 AND THE REMAINING MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.   APPOINT-
 MENTS  SHALL  BE  MADE  WITHIN  SIXTY DAYS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
 SECTION. VACANCIES IN THE TASK FORCE  SHALL  BE  FILLED  IN  THE  MANNER
 PROVIDED FOR ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS.
   (B)  ALL  APPOINTEES  SHALL  HAVE  EXPERTISE  IN FIELDS OR DISCIPLINES
 RELATED TO ANIMALS, ANIMAL ABUSE AND/OR INVESTIGATIONS. ALL APPOINTMENTS
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.

                                                            LBD04950-05-7

 S. 2557--A                          2
 
 SHALL BE COORDINATED TO  ENSURE  GEOGRAPHIC  REPRESENTATION  FROM    THE
 ENTIRE STATE.
   (C)  THE  TASK  FORCE  SHALL  BE  CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE OR
 SELECTED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FROM THE APPOINTED MEMBERS.  THE TASK
 FORCE SHALL ELECT A VICE-CHAIR AND OTHER NECESSARY OFFICERS  FROM  AMONG
 ALL APPOINTED MEMBERS.
   (D)  A  MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE THEN IN OFFICE SHALL
 CONSTITUTE A QUORUM FOR THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS OR THE  EXERCISE  OF
 ANY  POWER OR FUNCTION OF THE TASK FORCE. AN ACT, DETERMINATION OR DECI-
 SION OF THE MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT DURING  THE  PRESENCE  OF  A
 QUORUM  SHALL  BE  HELD TO BE THE ACT, DETERMINATION, OR DECISION OF THE
 TASK FORCE.
   (E) THE TASK FORCE SHALL MEET AT LEAST QUARTERLY AT THE  CALL  OF  THE
 CHAIR.  MEETINGS MAY BE HELD VIA TELECONFERENCE. SPECIAL MEETINGS MAY BE
 CALLED BY THE CHAIR AT THE REQUEST OF A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS  OF  THE
 TASK FORCE.
   (F)  MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE SHALL RECEIVE NO COMPENSATION FOR THEIR
 SERVICES BUT SHALL BE REIMBURSED FOR THEIR ACTUAL EXPENSES  INCURRED  IN
 THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES IN THE WORK OF THE TASK FORCE.
   3. THE TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED SHALL:
   (A)  STUDY  LAWS,  RULES, AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING ANIMALS, INCLUDING
 BUT NOT LIMITED TO COMPANION ANIMALS, FARM ANIMALS OR ANIMALS RAISED FOR
 FOOD PRODUCING PURPOSES,  SERVICE  AND  THERAPY  ANIMALS,  WILDLIFE  AND
 ANIMALS  USED IN ENTERTAINMENT, RESEARCH OR EXPERIMENTATION OR ANY OTHER
 FIELD THAT GOVERNS THE USE OR TREATMENT OF ANIMALS;
   (B) STUDY LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS  GOVERNING  THE  OPERATIONS  OF
 DULY INCORPORATED SOCIETIES FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY, DULY INCORPO-
 RATED  HUMANE  SOCIETIES,  POUNDS, SHELTERS, MUNICIPAL OR OTHERWISE, AND
 PET DEALERS; AND
   (C) RECOMMEND WAYS BY WHICH TO MODERNIZE THE LAWS GOVERNING ANIMALS.
   4. THE TASK FORCE MAY ESTABLISH SUCH ADVISORY COMMITTEES AS  IT  DEEMS
 APPROPRIATE  ON  MATTERS  RELATING TO THE TASK FORCE'S FUNCTIONS, POWERS
 AND DUTIES. SUCH COMMITTEES SHALL BE CHAIRED BY A TASK FORCE MEMBER, BUT
 MAY BE COMPOSED OF TASK FORCE  MEMBERS  AS  WELL  AS  OTHER  INDIVIDUALS
 SELECTED  BY THE TASK FORCE TO PROVIDE EXPERTISE OF INTEREST SPECIFIC TO
 THE CHARGE OF SUCH COMMITTEE.
   5. THE TASK FORCE MAY, AS IT DEEMS APPROPRIATE, REQUEST THAT  STUDIES,
 SURVEYS,  OR  ANALYSES RELATING TO THE TASK FORCE'S POWERS AND DUTIES BE
 PERFORMED BY ANY STATE DEPARTMENT, COMMISSION, AGENCY OR PUBLIC AUTHORI-
 TY. ALL STATE DEPARTMENTS, COMMISSIONS, AGENCIES OR  PUBLIC  AUTHORITIES
 SHALL  PROVIDE  INFORMATION  AND ADVICE IN A TIMELY MANNER AND OTHERWISE
 ASSIST THE TASK FORCE WITH ITS WORK.
   6. THE TASK FORCE SHALL SUBMIT A  REQUEST  FOR  ANY  APPROPRIATION  AS
 SHALL BE NECESSARY TO ENABLE THE TASK FORCE TO PERFORM ITS FUNCTIONS AND
 DUTIES  TO  THE  GOVERNOR,  DIRECTOR  OF THE DIVISION OF THE BUDGET, AND
 CHAIRPERSONS OF THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND THE ASSEMBLY  WAYS  AND
 MEANS COMMITTEE. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE STAFF SERVICES TO THE TASK
 FORCE  AND  SUCH OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR
 THE TASK FORCE TO CARRY OUT ITS DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND POWERS.
   7. THE TASK FORCE SHALL HOLD A MINIMUM OF THREE PUBLIC  HEARINGS:  ONE
 IN  NEW  YORK  CITY; ONE IN WESTERN NEW YORK; AND ONE IN UPSTATE EASTERN
 NEW YORK. THE TASK FORCE MAY HOLD ADDITIONAL PUBLIC  HEARINGS  IN  OTHER
 LOCATIONS AS IT DEEMS APPROPRIATE. TESTIMONY SHALL BE TAKEN AND THE TASK
 FORCE MAY LAUNCH INVESTIGATIONS AS IT DEEMS NECESSARY.
   8.  THE TASK FORCE SHALL MAKE A PRELIMINARY REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND
 THE LEGISLATURE OF ITS FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIV-

 S. 2557--A                          3
 
 ITIES ALREADY UNDERTAKEN BY THE TASK FORCE,  NOT  LATER  THAN  ONE  YEAR
 AFTER  THE  EFFECTIVE  DATE  OF  THIS SECTION, AND A FINAL REPORT OF ITS
 FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIVITIES ALREADY UNDERTAKEN
 BY  THE TASK FORCE, NOT LATER THAN TWO YEARS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF
 THIS SECTION AND SHALL SUBMIT WITH ITS REPORTS LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS  AS
 IT DEEMS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS.
   §  2.  This  act  shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall
 have become a law and shall expire twenty-four  months  after  it  shall
 have  become  a law when upon such date the provisions of this act shall
 be deemed repealed.

co-Sponsors

2017-S2557B - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A1279
Current Committee:: Senate Agriculture
Law Section:: Agriculture and Markets Law
Laws Affected:: Add §381, Ag & Mkts L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2011-2012: A9576
2013-2014: A741
2015-2016: S6919, A346
2019-2020: A277
2021-2022: A162
2023-2024: A71
2025-2026: A181

2017-S2557B - Summary

Creates a task force on animal laws and requires reporting to the governor and legislature of recommendations on how to increase statewide uniformity of such.

2017-S2557B - Sponsor Memo

2017-S2557B - Bill Text download pdf

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  2557--B
 
                        2017-2018 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                             January 13, 2017
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sens.  GOLDEN,  MURPHY, O'MARA -- read twice and ordered
   printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Agricul-
   ture -- reported favorably from said committee and  committed  to  the
   Committee  on  Finance  -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered
   reprinted as amended and recommitted to said  committee  --  committee
   discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted
   to said committee
 
 AN  ACT  to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to estab-
   lishing a task force on animal laws; and providing for the  repeal  of
   such provisions upon expiration thereof
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. The agriculture and markets law is amended by adding a  new
 section 380 to read as follows:
   §  380.   TASK FORCE ON ANIMAL LAWS. 1. THE TASK FORCE ON THE STATE OF
 ANIMAL LAWS IS HEREBY CREATED WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT TO EXAMINE, EVALUATE
 AND DETERMINE HOW TO IMPROVE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANIMALS AND HUMANS
 AND THE ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS.
   2.(A) SUCH TASK FORCE SHALL CONSIST OF FIFTEEN MEMBERS, EACH TO  SERVE
 FOR  A  TERM  OF ONE CALENDAR YEAR.   SUCH MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED AS
 FOLLOWS:  TWO MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE TEMPORARY  PRESIDENT  OF
 THE  SENATE; ONE MEMBER SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE
 SENATE; TWO MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF  THE  ASSEMBLY;
 ONE  MEMBER  SHALL  BE APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY;
 ONE MEMBER SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL; THE  COMMISSIONER
 OR  HIS  OR HER DESIGNEE; THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRON-
 MENTAL CONSERVATION OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE; THE COMMISSIONER  OF  HEALTH
 OR  HIS  OR  HER  DESIGNEE; THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DIVISION OF CRIMINAL
 JUSTICE SERVICES OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE; AND THE REMAINING MEMBERS SHALL
 BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. APPOINTMENTS SHALL BE  MADE  WITHIN  SIXTY
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD04950-07-7

 S. 2557--B                          2
 
 DAYS  OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION. VACANCIES IN THE TASK FORCE
 SHALL BE FILLED IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS.
   (B)  ALL  APPOINTEES  SHALL  HAVE  EXPERTISE  IN FIELDS OR DISCIPLINES
 RELATED TO ANIMALS, ANIMAL ABUSE AND/OR  INVESTIGATIONS  INCLUDING,  BUT
 NOT  LIMITED  TO,  THE  FOLLOWING  AREAS:  ANIMAL AGRICULTURE; COMPANION
 ANIMALS, WILDLIFE  AND  WILD  ANIMAL  PROTECTION  INCLUDING  SHELTERING,
 RESCUE  AND  ADOPTION  OF  COMPANION ANIMALS; ANIMAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND
 CRIMINAL DEFENSE; AND ANIMAL HEALTH AND VETERINARY MEDICAL  CARE.    ALL
 APPOINTMENTS  SHALL  BE  COORDINATED TO ENSURE GEOGRAPHIC REPRESENTATION
 FROM  THE ENTIRE STATE.
   (C) THE TASK FORCE SHALL BE CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER OR SELECTED BY
 THE COMMISSIONER FROM THE APPOINTED MEMBERS.  THE TASK FORCE SHALL ELECT
 A VICE-CHAIR AND OTHER  NECESSARY  OFFICERS  FROM  AMONG  ALL  APPOINTED
 MEMBERS.
   (D)  A  MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE THEN IN OFFICE SHALL
 CONSTITUTE A QUORUM FOR THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS OR THE  EXERCISE  OF
 ANY  POWER OR FUNCTION OF THE TASK FORCE. AN ACT, DETERMINATION OR DECI-
 SION OF THE MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT DURING  THE  PRESENCE  OF  A
 QUORUM  SHALL  BE  HELD TO BE THE ACT, DETERMINATION, OR DECISION OF THE
 TASK FORCE.
   (E) THE TASK FORCE SHALL MEET AT LEAST QUARTERLY AT THE  CALL  OF  THE
 CHAIR.  MEETINGS MAY BE HELD VIA TELECONFERENCE. SPECIAL MEETINGS MAY BE
 CALLED BY THE CHAIR AT THE REQUEST OF A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS  OF  THE
 TASK FORCE.
   (F)  MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE SHALL RECEIVE NO COMPENSATION FOR THEIR
 SERVICES BUT SHALL BE REIMBURSED FOR THEIR ACTUAL EXPENSES  INCURRED  IN
 THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES IN THE WORK OF THE TASK FORCE.
   3. THE TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED SHALL:
   (A)  STUDY  LAWS,  RULES, AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING ANIMALS, INCLUDING
 BUT NOT LIMITED TO COMPANION ANIMALS, FARM ANIMALS OR ANIMALS RAISED FOR
 FOOD PRODUCING PURPOSES,  SERVICE  AND  THERAPY  ANIMALS,  WILDLIFE  AND
 ANIMALS  USED IN ENTERTAINMENT, RESEARCH OR EXPERIMENTATION OR ANY OTHER
 FIELD THAT GOVERNS THE USE OR TREATMENT OF ANIMALS;
   (B) STUDY LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS  GOVERNING  THE  OPERATIONS  OF
 DULY INCORPORATED SOCIETIES FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY, DULY INCORPO-
 RATED  HUMANE  SOCIETIES,  POUNDS, SHELTERS, MUNICIPAL OR OTHERWISE, AND
 PET DEALERS; AND
   (C) RECOMMEND WAYS BY WHICH TO MODERNIZE THE LAWS GOVERNING ANIMALS.
   4. THE TASK FORCE MAY ESTABLISH SUCH ADVISORY COMMITTEES AS  IT  DEEMS
 APPROPRIATE  ON  MATTERS  RELATING TO THE TASK FORCE'S FUNCTIONS, POWERS
 AND DUTIES. SUCH COMMITTEES SHALL BE CHAIRED BY A TASK FORCE MEMBER, BUT
 MAY BE COMPOSED OF TASK FORCE  MEMBERS  AS  WELL  AS  OTHER  INDIVIDUALS
 SELECTED  BY THE TASK FORCE TO PROVIDE EXPERTISE OF INTEREST SPECIFIC TO
 THE CHARGE OF SUCH COMMITTEE.
   5. THE TASK FORCE MAY, AS IT DEEMS APPROPRIATE, REQUEST THAT  STUDIES,
 SURVEYS,  OR  ANALYSES RELATING TO THE TASK FORCE'S POWERS AND DUTIES BE
 PERFORMED BY ANY STATE DEPARTMENT, COMMISSION, AGENCY OR PUBLIC AUTHORI-
 TY. ALL STATE DEPARTMENTS, COMMISSIONS, AGENCIES OR  PUBLIC  AUTHORITIES
 SHALL  PROVIDE  INFORMATION  AND ADVICE IN A TIMELY MANNER AND OTHERWISE
 ASSIST THE TASK FORCE WITH ITS WORK.
   6.  THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE STAFF SERVICES TO THE TASK FORCE  AND
 SUCH  OTHER  ADMINISTRATIVE  ASSISTANCE AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE TASK
 FORCE TO CARRY OUT ITS DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND POWERS.
   7. THE TASK FORCE SHALL HOLD A MINIMUM OF THREE PUBLIC  HEARINGS:  ONE
 IN  NEW  YORK  CITY; ONE IN WESTERN NEW YORK; AND ONE IN UPSTATE EASTERN

 S. 2557--B                          3
 
 NEW YORK. THE TASK FORCE MAY HOLD ADDITIONAL PUBLIC  HEARINGS  IN  OTHER
 LOCATIONS AS IT DEEMS APPROPRIATE.
   8.  THE TASK FORCE SHALL MAKE A PRELIMINARY REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND
 THE LEGISLATURE OF ITS FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIV-
 ITIES ALREADY UNDERTAKEN BY THE TASK FORCE,  NOT  LATER  THAN  ONE  YEAR
 AFTER  THE  EFFECTIVE  DATE  OF  THIS SECTION, AND A FINAL REPORT OF ITS
 FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIVITIES ALREADY UNDERTAKEN
 BY THE TASK FORCE, NOT LATER THAN TWO YEARS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE  OF
 THIS  SECTION AND SHALL SUBMIT WITH ITS REPORTS LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS AS
 IT DEEMS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS.
   § 2. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth  day  after  it  shall
 have  become  a  law  and shall expire twenty-four months after it shall
 have become a law when upon such date the provisions of this  act  shall
 be deemed repealed.

co-Sponsors

2017-S2557C - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A1279
Current Committee:: Senate Agriculture
Law Section:: Agriculture and Markets Law
Laws Affected:: Add §381, Ag & Mkts L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2011-2012: A9576
2013-2014: A741
2015-2016: S6919, A346
2019-2020: A277
2021-2022: A162
2023-2024: A71
2025-2026: A181

2017-S2557C - Summary

Creates a task force on animal laws and requires reporting to the governor and legislature of recommendations on how to increase statewide uniformity of such.

2017-S2557C - Sponsor Memo

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S2557C

SPONSOR: GOLDEN
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in
relation to establishing a task force on animal laws; and providing for
the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To create a Task Force to study the various methods and strategies
employed Statewide to investigate animal abuse and enforce anti-abuse
laws.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section one of this bill amends the Agriculture and Markets Law by
adding a new section 381. This new section creates the task force on how
to improve investigations of animal abuse and enforcement of anti-animal
abuse laws. This task force will have seventeen members.  The task force
must meet quarterly and is required to study current law enforcement
practices in the areas of animal abuse investigation and anti-animal

abuse law enforcement and make recommendations to increase the effec-
tiveness of such practices. Finally, the task force must submit a
preliminary report to the Governor and the Legislature no later than one
year after the effective date of new section 380.

Section two of this bill provides that this act shall take effect on the
sixtieth day after it shall have become a law and shall expire twenty-
four months after it shall have become a law when upon such date the
provisions of this act shall be deemed repealed.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Across the State of New York, investigations into animal cruelty and the
enforcement of anti-abuse laws vary widely by county or municipality.
While New York City utilizes humane law enforcement to conduct investi-
gations and enforce anti-animal abuse laws, other jurisdictions rely on
traditional law enforcement agencies such as the police department and
district attorneys. Certain localities are well funded and use sophisti-
cated strategies to combat abuse while others lack the requisite manpow-
er and technology.

This legislation will create a task force to investigate these disparate
practices. The ultimate goal of this task force is to present a compre-
hensive, unified view of the State's animal protection strategies. It is
certain that as information is shared more effectively among agencies,
limited resources available can be employed with much greater efficien-
cy.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2017: S.2557-B - Reported to Finance
2016: S.6919 - Referred to Agriculture

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Undetermined

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have
become a law and shall expire twenty-four months after it shall have
become a law when upon such date the provisions of this act shall be
deemed repealed.

2017-S2557C - Bill Text download pdf

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  2557--C
 
                        2017-2018 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                             January 13, 2017
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sens.  GOLDEN,  MURPHY, O'MARA -- read twice and ordered
   printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Agricul-
   ture -- reported favorably from said committee and  committed  to  the
   Committee  on  Finance  -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered
   reprinted as amended and recommitted to said  committee  --  committee
   discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted
   to  said  committee  -- recommitted to the Committee on Agriculture in
   accordance with Senate Rule 6, sec. 8 --  committee  discharged,  bill
   amended,  ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said commit-
   tee
 
 AN ACT to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation  to  estab-
   lishing  a  task force on animal laws; and providing for the repeal of
   such provisions upon expiration thereof
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1. The agriculture and markets law is amended by adding a new
 section 381 to read as follows:
   § 381. TASK FORCE ON ANIMAL LAWS. 1. THE TASK FORCE ON  THE  STATE  OF
 ANIMAL LAWS IS HEREBY CREATED WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT TO EXAMINE, EVALUATE
 AND DETERMINE HOW TO IMPROVE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANIMALS AND HUMANS
 AND THE ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS.
   2.(A)  SUCH TASK FORCE SHALL CONSIST OF FIFTEEN MEMBERS, EACH TO SERVE
 FOR A TERM OF ONE CALENDAR YEAR.   SUCH MEMBERS SHALL  BE  APPOINTED  AS
 FOLLOWS:    TWO MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF
 THE SENATE; ONE MEMBER SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF  THE
 SENATE;  TWO  MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY;
 ONE MEMBER SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY;
 ONE  MEMBER SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL; THE COMMISSIONER
 OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE; THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT  OF  ENVIRON-
 MENTAL  CONSERVATION  OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE; THE COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH
 OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE; THE COMMISSIONER OF  THE  DIVISION  OF  CRIMINAL
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.

                                                            LBD04950-08-8

 S. 2557--C                          2
 
 JUSTICE SERVICES OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE; AND THE REMAINING MEMBERS SHALL
 BE  APPOINTED  BY  THE GOVERNOR. APPOINTMENTS SHALL BE MADE WITHIN SIXTY
 DAYS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION. VACANCIES IN THE TASK  FORCE
 SHALL BE FILLED IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS.
   (B)  ALL  APPOINTEES  SHALL  HAVE  EXPERTISE  IN FIELDS OR DISCIPLINES
 RELATED TO ANIMALS, ANIMAL ABUSE AND/OR  INVESTIGATIONS  INCLUDING,  BUT
 NOT  LIMITED  TO,  THE  FOLLOWING  AREAS:  ANIMAL AGRICULTURE; COMPANION
 ANIMALS, WILDLIFE  AND  WILD  ANIMAL  PROTECTION  INCLUDING  SHELTERING,
 RESCUE  AND  ADOPTION  OF  COMPANION ANIMALS; ANIMAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND
 CRIMINAL DEFENSE; AND ANIMAL HEALTH AND VETERINARY MEDICAL  CARE.    ALL
 APPOINTMENTS  SHALL  BE  COORDINATED TO ENSURE GEOGRAPHIC REPRESENTATION
 FROM  THE ENTIRE STATE.
   (C) THE TASK FORCE SHALL BE CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER OR SELECTED BY
 THE COMMISSIONER FROM THE APPOINTED MEMBERS.  THE TASK FORCE SHALL ELECT
 A VICE-CHAIR AND OTHER  NECESSARY  OFFICERS  FROM  AMONG  ALL  APPOINTED
 MEMBERS.
   (D)  A  MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE THEN IN OFFICE SHALL
 CONSTITUTE A QUORUM FOR THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS OR THE  EXERCISE  OF
 ANY  POWER OR FUNCTION OF THE TASK FORCE. AN ACT, DETERMINATION OR DECI-
 SION OF THE MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT DURING  THE  PRESENCE  OF  A
 QUORUM  SHALL  BE  HELD TO BE THE ACT, DETERMINATION, OR DECISION OF THE
 TASK FORCE.
   (E) THE TASK FORCE SHALL MEET AT LEAST QUARTERLY AT THE  CALL  OF  THE
 CHAIR.  MEETINGS MAY BE HELD VIA TELECONFERENCE. SPECIAL MEETINGS MAY BE
 CALLED BY THE CHAIR AT THE REQUEST OF A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS  OF  THE
 TASK FORCE.
   (F)  MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE SHALL RECEIVE NO COMPENSATION FOR THEIR
 SERVICES BUT SHALL BE REIMBURSED FOR THEIR ACTUAL EXPENSES  INCURRED  IN
 THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES IN THE WORK OF THE TASK FORCE.
   3. THE TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED SHALL:
   (A)  STUDY  LAWS,  RULES, AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING ANIMALS, INCLUDING
 BUT NOT LIMITED TO COMPANION ANIMALS, FARM ANIMALS OR ANIMALS RAISED FOR
 FOOD PRODUCING PURPOSES,  SERVICE  AND  THERAPY  ANIMALS,  WILDLIFE  AND
 ANIMALS  USED IN ENTERTAINMENT, RESEARCH OR EXPERIMENTATION OR ANY OTHER
 FIELD THAT GOVERNS THE USE OR TREATMENT OF ANIMALS;
   (B) STUDY LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS  GOVERNING  THE  OPERATIONS  OF
 DULY INCORPORATED SOCIETIES FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY, DULY INCORPO-
 RATED  HUMANE  SOCIETIES,  POUNDS, SHELTERS, MUNICIPAL OR OTHERWISE, AND
 PET DEALERS; AND
   (C) RECOMMEND WAYS BY WHICH TO MODERNIZE THE LAWS GOVERNING ANIMALS.
   4. THE TASK FORCE MAY ESTABLISH SUCH ADVISORY COMMITTEES AS  IT  DEEMS
 APPROPRIATE  ON  MATTERS  RELATING TO THE TASK FORCE'S FUNCTIONS, POWERS
 AND DUTIES. SUCH COMMITTEES SHALL BE CHAIRED BY A TASK FORCE MEMBER, BUT
 MAY BE COMPOSED OF TASK FORCE  MEMBERS  AS  WELL  AS  OTHER  INDIVIDUALS
 SELECTED  BY THE TASK FORCE TO PROVIDE EXPERTISE OF INTEREST SPECIFIC TO
 THE CHARGE OF SUCH COMMITTEE.
   5. THE TASK FORCE MAY, AS IT DEEMS APPROPRIATE, REQUEST THAT  STUDIES,
 SURVEYS,  OR  ANALYSES RELATING TO THE TASK FORCE'S POWERS AND DUTIES BE
 PERFORMED BY ANY STATE DEPARTMENT, COMMISSION, AGENCY OR PUBLIC AUTHORI-
 TY. ALL STATE DEPARTMENTS, COMMISSIONS, AGENCIES OR  PUBLIC  AUTHORITIES
 SHALL  PROVIDE  INFORMATION  AND ADVICE IN A TIMELY MANNER AND OTHERWISE
 ASSIST THE TASK FORCE WITH ITS WORK.
   6.  THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE STAFF SERVICES TO THE TASK FORCE  AND
 SUCH  OTHER  ADMINISTRATIVE  ASSISTANCE AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE TASK
 FORCE TO CARRY OUT ITS DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND POWERS.

 S. 2557--C                          3
 
   7. THE TASK FORCE SHALL HOLD A MINIMUM OF THREE PUBLIC  HEARINGS:  ONE
 IN  NEW  YORK  CITY; ONE IN WESTERN NEW YORK; AND ONE IN UPSTATE EASTERN
 NEW YORK. THE TASK FORCE MAY HOLD ADDITIONAL PUBLIC  HEARINGS  IN  OTHER
 LOCATIONS AS IT DEEMS APPROPRIATE.
   8.  THE TASK FORCE SHALL MAKE A PRELIMINARY REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND
 THE LEGISLATURE OF ITS FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIV-
 ITIES ALREADY UNDERTAKEN BY THE TASK FORCE,  NOT  LATER  THAN  ONE  YEAR
 AFTER  THE  EFFECTIVE  DATE  OF  THIS SECTION, AND A FINAL REPORT OF ITS
 FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIVITIES ALREADY UNDERTAKEN
 BY THE TASK FORCE, NOT LATER THAN TWO YEARS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE  OF
 THIS  SECTION AND SHALL SUBMIT WITH ITS REPORTS LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS AS
 IT DEEMS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS.
   § 2. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth  day  after  it  shall
 have  become  a  law  and shall expire twenty-four months after it shall
 have become a law when upon such date the provisions of this  act  shall
 be deemed repealed.

co-Sponsors

2017-S2557D (ACTIVE) - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A1279
Current Committee:: Senate Agriculture
Law Section:: Agriculture and Markets Law
Laws Affected:: Add §381, Ag & Mkts L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2011-2012: A9576
2013-2014: A741
2015-2016: S6919, A346
2019-2020: A277
2021-2022: A162
2023-2024: A71
2025-2026: A181

2017-S2557D (ACTIVE) - Summary

Creates a task force on animal laws and requires reporting to the governor and legislature of recommendations on how to increase statewide uniformity of such.

2017-S2557D (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S2557D

SPONSOR: GOLDEN
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in
relation to establishing a task force on animal laws; and providing for
the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To create a Task Force to study the various methods and strategies
employed Statewide to investigate animal abuse and enforce anti-abuse
laws.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section one of this bill amends the Agriculture and Markets Law by
adding a new section 381. This new section creates the task force on how
to improve investigations of animal abuse and enforcement of anti-animal
abuse laws. This task force will have fifteen members.  The task force
must meet quarterly and is required to study current law enforcement
practices in the areas of animal abuse investigation and anti-animal

abuse law enforcement and make recommendations to increase the effec-
tiveness of such practices. Finally, the task force must submit a
preliminary report to the Governor and the Legislature no later than one
year after the effective date of new section 380. A final report of the
findings, conclusions, recommendations and activities must be submitted
no more than two years after the effective date of new section 380.

Section two of this bill provides that this act shall take effect on the
sixtieth day after it shall have become a law and shall expire twenty-
four months after it shall have become a law when upon such date the
provisions of this act shall be deemed repealed.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Across the State of New York, investigations into animal cruelty and the
enforcement of anti-abuse laws vary widely by county or municipality.
While New York City utilizes humane law enforcement to conduct investi-
gations and enforce anti-animal abuse laws, other jurisdictions rely on
traditional law enforcement agencies such as the police department and
district attorneys. Certain localities are well funded and use sophisti-
cated strategies to combat abuse while others lack the requisite manpow-
er and technology.

This legislation will create a task force to investigate these disparate
practices. The ultimate goal of this task force is to present a compre-
hensive, unified view of the State's animal protection strategies. It is
certain that as information is shared more effectively among agencies,
limited resources available can be employed with much greater efficien-
cy.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2017: S.2557-B - Reported to Finance
2016: S.6919 - Referred to Agriculture

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Undetermined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have
become a law and shall expire twenty-four months after it shall have
become a law when upon such date the provisions of this act shall be
deemed repealed.

2017-S2557D (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  2557--D
 
                        2017-2018 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                             January 13, 2017
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sens.  GOLDEN,  MURPHY, O'MARA -- read twice and ordered
   printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Agricul-
   ture -- reported favorably from said committee and  committed  to  the
   Committee  on  Finance  -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered
   reprinted as amended and recommitted to said  committee  --  committee
   discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted
   to  said  committee  -- recommitted to the Committee on Agriculture in
   accordance with Senate Rule 6, sec. 8 --  committee  discharged,  bill
   amended,  ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said commit-
   tee --  committee  discharged,  bill  amended,  ordered  reprinted  as
   amended and recommitted to said committee
 
 AN  ACT  to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to estab-
   lishing a task force on animal laws; and providing for the  repeal  of
   such provisions upon expiration thereof
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. The agriculture and markets law is amended by adding a  new
 section 381 to read as follows:
   §  381.  TASK  FORCE ON ANIMAL LAWS. 1. THE TASK FORCE ON THE STATE OF
 ANIMAL LAWS IS HEREBY CREATED WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT TO EXAMINE, EVALUATE
 AND DETERMINE HOW TO IMPROVE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANIMALS AND HUMANS
 AND THE ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS.
   2.(A) SUCH TASK FORCE SHALL CONSIST OF FIFTEEN MEMBERS, EACH TO  SERVE
 FOR  A  TERM  OF ONE CALENDAR YEAR.   SUCH MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED AS
 FOLLOWS:  TWO MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE TEMPORARY  PRESIDENT  OF
 THE  SENATE; ONE MEMBER SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE
 SENATE; TWO MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF  THE  ASSEMBLY;
 ONE  MEMBER  SHALL  BE APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY;
 ONE MEMBER SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL; THE  COMMISSIONER
 OR  HIS  OR HER DESIGNEE; THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRON-
 MENTAL CONSERVATION OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE; THE COMMISSIONER  OF  HEALTH
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.

                                                            LBD04950-11-8

 S. 2557--D                          2
 
 OR  HIS  OR  HER  DESIGNEE; THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DIVISION OF CRIMINAL
 JUSTICE SERVICES OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE; AND THE REMAINING MEMBERS SHALL
 BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. APPOINTMENTS SHALL BE  MADE  WITHIN  SIXTY
 DAYS  OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION. VACANCIES IN THE TASK FORCE
 SHALL BE FILLED IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS.
   (B) ALL APPOINTEES SHALL  HAVE  EXPERTISE  IN  FIELDS  OR  DISCIPLINES
 RELATED  TO  ANIMALS,  ANIMAL ABUSE AND/OR INVESTIGATIONS INCLUDING, BUT
 NOT LIMITED TO,  THE  FOLLOWING  AREAS:  ANIMAL  AGRICULTURE;  COMPANION
 ANIMALS,  WILDLIFE  AND  WILD  ANIMAL  PROTECTION  INCLUDING SHELTERING,
 RESCUE AND ADOPTION OF COMPANION ANIMALS;  ANIMAL  LAW  ENFORCEMENT  AND
 CRIMINAL  DEFENSE;  AND  ANIMAL HEALTH AND VETERINARY MEDICAL CARE.  ALL
 APPOINTMENTS SHALL BE COORDINATED TO  ENSURE  GEOGRAPHIC  REPRESENTATION
 FROM  THE ENTIRE STATE.
   (C) THE TASK FORCE SHALL BE CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER OR SELECTED BY
 THE COMMISSIONER FROM THE APPOINTED MEMBERS.  THE TASK FORCE SHALL ELECT
 A  VICE-CHAIR  AND  OTHER  NECESSARY  OFFICERS  FROM AMONG ALL APPOINTED
 MEMBERS.
   (D) A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE THEN IN  OFFICE  SHALL
 CONSTITUTE  A  QUORUM FOR THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS OR THE EXERCISE OF
 ANY POWER OR FUNCTION OF THE TASK FORCE. AN ACT, DETERMINATION OR  DECI-
 SION  OF  THE  MAJORITY  OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT DURING THE PRESENCE OF A
 QUORUM SHALL BE HELD TO BE THE ACT, DETERMINATION, OR  DECISION  OF  THE
 TASK FORCE.
   (E)  THE  TASK  FORCE SHALL MEET AT LEAST QUARTERLY AT THE CALL OF THE
 CHAIR. MEETINGS MAY BE HELD VIA TELECONFERENCE. SPECIAL MEETINGS MAY  BE
 CALLED  BY  THE CHAIR AT THE REQUEST OF A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE
 TASK FORCE.
   (F) MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE SHALL RECEIVE NO COMPENSATION FOR  THEIR
 SERVICES  BUT  SHALL BE REIMBURSED FOR THEIR ACTUAL EXPENSES INCURRED IN
 THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES IN THE WORK OF THE TASK FORCE.
   3. THE TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED SHALL:
   (A) STUDY LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS  GOVERNING  ANIMALS,  INCLUDING
 BUT NOT LIMITED TO COMPANION ANIMALS, FARM ANIMALS OR ANIMALS RAISED FOR
 FOOD  PRODUCING  PURPOSES,  WILDLIFE  AND ANIMALS USED IN ENTERTAINMENT,
 RESEARCH OR EXPERIMENTATION OR ANY OTHER  FIELD THAT GOVERNS THE USE  OR
 TREATMENT OF ANIMALS;
   (B)  STUDY  LAWS,  RULES,  AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE OPERATIONS OF
 DULY INCORPORATED SOCIETIES FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY, DULY INCORPO-
 RATED HUMANE SOCIETIES, POUNDS, SHELTERS, MUNICIPAL  OR  OTHERWISE,  AND
 PET DEALERS; AND
   (C)  RECOMMEND  WAYS  BY WHICH TO MODERNIZE THE LAWS GOVERNING ANIMALS
 PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE TASK FORCE SHALL NOT HAVE AUTHORITY TO  MAKE
 RECOMMENDATIONS   CONCERNING  THE  FOLLOWING:  STATEWIDE  STANDARDS  FOR
 SERVICE, THERAPY, GUIDE, HEARING OR ASSISTANCE ANIMALS, LAWS THAT  WOULD
 LIMIT  THE  RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WITH RESPECT TO SERVICE,
 THERAPY, GUIDE, HEARING OR ASSISTANCE ANIMALS, AND LAWS THAT WOULD LIMIT
 THE RIGHTS OF TRAINERS OF SERVICE, THERAPY, GUIDE, HEARING OR ASSISTANCE
 ANIMALS.
   4. THE TASK FORCE MAY ESTABLISH SUCH ADVISORY COMMITTEES AS  IT  DEEMS
 APPROPRIATE  ON  MATTERS  RELATING TO THE TASK FORCE'S FUNCTIONS, POWERS
 AND DUTIES. SUCH COMMITTEES SHALL BE CHAIRED BY A TASK FORCE MEMBER, BUT
 MAY BE COMPOSED OF TASK FORCE  MEMBERS  AS  WELL  AS  OTHER  INDIVIDUALS
 SELECTED  BY THE TASK FORCE TO PROVIDE EXPERTISE OF INTEREST SPECIFIC TO
 THE CHARGE OF SUCH COMMITTEE.
   5. THE TASK FORCE MAY, AS IT DEEMS APPROPRIATE, REQUEST THAT  STUDIES,
 SURVEYS,  OR  ANALYSES RELATING TO THE TASK FORCE'S POWERS AND DUTIES BE

 S. 2557--D                          3
 
 PERFORMED BY ANY STATE DEPARTMENT, COMMISSION, AGENCY OR PUBLIC AUTHORI-
 TY. ALL STATE DEPARTMENTS, COMMISSIONS, AGENCIES OR  PUBLIC  AUTHORITIES
 SHALL  PROVIDE  INFORMATION  AND ADVICE IN A TIMELY MANNER AND OTHERWISE
 ASSIST THE TASK FORCE WITH ITS WORK.
   6.   THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE STAFF SERVICES TO THE TASK FORCE AND
 SUCH OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE AS MAY BE NECESSARY  FOR  THE  TASK
 FORCE TO CARRY OUT ITS DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND POWERS.
   7.  THE  TASK FORCE SHALL HOLD A MINIMUM OF THREE PUBLIC HEARINGS: ONE
 IN NEW YORK CITY; ONE IN WESTERN NEW YORK; AND ONE  IN  UPSTATE  EASTERN
 NEW  YORK.  THE  TASK FORCE MAY HOLD ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEARINGS IN OTHER
 LOCATIONS AS IT DEEMS APPROPRIATE.
   8. THE TASK FORCE SHALL MAKE A PRELIMINARY REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR  AND
 THE LEGISLATURE OF ITS FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIV-
 ITIES  ALREADY  UNDERTAKEN  BY  THE  TASK FORCE, NOT LATER THAN ONE YEAR
 AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, AND  A  FINAL  REPORT  OF  ITS
 FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIVITIES ALREADY UNDERTAKEN
 BY  THE TASK FORCE, NOT LATER THAN TWO YEARS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF
 THIS SECTION AND SHALL SUBMIT WITH ITS REPORTS LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS  AS
 IT DEEMS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS.
   §  2.  This  act  shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall
 have become a law and shall expire twenty-four  months  after  it  shall
 have  become  a law when upon such date the provisions of this act shall
 be deemed repealed.

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Senate Bill S2557D

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Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Agriculture Committee

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May 16, 2017 - Agriculture Committee Vote

Agriculture Committee Vote: May 16, 2017

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Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Agriculture Committee

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