NY A03226

Prohibits sale, offer for sale, or distribution of corn, soybean, and wheat seeds coated with clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, or acetamiprid beginning January 1, 2026, with commissioner authority to temporarily suspend this requirement if treated seeds are unavailable or would cause undue financial hardship to agricultural producers.

Bans application of pesticides containing imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, or acetamiprid on outdoor ornamental plants and turf effective July 1, 2025, and immediately bans clothianidin and dinotefuran for such uses, excluding agricultural commodity production.

Allows commissioner to grant exceptions to outdoor ornamental plant restrictions by written order if a valid environmental emergency exists, the pesticide would effectively address it, and no less harmful alternatives are available; exceptions valid for up to one year.

Requires the Department of Environmental Conservation, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Markets and state universities, to conduct a study identifying practicable alternatives to these five pesticide active ingredients, with results due to the governor and legislature by January 1, 2025.

Takes effect 90 days after enactment, with regulatory authority to implement rules immediately upon passage.