S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
5178
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
February 12, 2025
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Introduced by M. of A. NOVAKHOV, MANKTELOW, NORBER -- read once and
referred to the Committee on Economic Development
AN ACT prohibiting the public use of cannabis, unless approved by the
applicable local government
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Legislative intent. The legislature finds that cannabis has
been legalized for personal use in New York state. Smoking cannabis in
public places can be disruptive and harmful to non-smokers. Fines for
smoking tobacco in public places have been effective in reducing public
smoking rates and fines for smoking cannabis in public places can help
enforce public health and safety regulations while reducing the burden
on law enforcement agencies.
§ 2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, smok-
ing or using cannabis in any public place, including but not limited to
streets, sidewalks, parks, and outdoor patios of restaurants and bars,
shall be prohibited, unless designated for cannabis use by the local
government.
§ 3. Any person found to be in violation of the provisions of section
two of this act shall be subject to a fine of one hundred twenty-five
dollars, to be paid to the local government where the violation
occurred, within thirty days of receiving such violation.
§ 4. The cannabis control board, in conjunction with local govern-
ments, shall establish regulations and guidelines for the implementation
and enforcement of this act, including but not limited to the definition
of a public place and the designation of areas for cannabis use.
§ 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07929-01-5