SYRACUSE, N.Y.-- The New York State Senate passed legislation on May 19, sponsored by State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida), which gives the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) the flexibility to identify traps with either the trapper’s name and address or assigned identification number.

Currently, the Department of Environmental Conservation requires that all traps must display trappers’ names and addresses. The legislation allows trappers to substitute this information with their identification number. This provides privacy for the trappers while still enabling state, county and law enforcement agencies immediate access to the contact information in cases of enforcement, emergency and public protection.

“This legislation will provide the Department of Environmental Conservation with another tool to provide protection to the public while balancing the needs of our sportsmen and women,”  Senator Valesky, Vice President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, said.

The same bill (A5956) is sponsored in the Assembly by Assembly Member William Magee (D-Nelson).