NY A11144

Department of Environmental Conservation must create a list by December 31, 2021 of prohibited wildlife and fish imports, including all bat, rodent, and primate species unless determined unnecessary for protection of public health, native wildlife, or agriculture.

Department may immediately suspend existing licenses and prohibit new licenses for importing wildlife or fish species where scientific evidence suggests zoonotic disease transmission risk, and may require robust testing, treatment, or quarantine protocols before authorization.

Universities, colleges, research agencies, and zoos may apply for case-by-case exemptions from import prohibitions, with enhanced biosafety requirements for species posing zoonotic disease risks.

Live animal markets are prohibited from selling bats, rodents, or primates; confining animals in ways causing injury or suffering; or caging wildlife with livestock, with first violations resulting in written warnings and subsequent violations classified as Class A misdemeanors punishable by $250–$1,000 fines.

Department of Agriculture and Markets must establish regulations identifying prohibited animals in live markets that are invasive species or pose zoonotic disease risks.