NY S02957

Farm owners and operators must confine egg-laying hens exclusively in cage-free housing systems, prohibiting confinement in cages or other restrictive enclosures.

Prohibits the sale of shell eggs or liquid eggs for human consumption if produced by hens confined in non-cage-free systems, regardless of in-state or out-of-state production.

Cage-free housing must provide minimum usable floor space per hen as specified in the 2017 United Egg Producers' guidelines, enrichments including scratch areas, perches, nest boxes, and dust bathing areas, and unlimited outdoor access in a secure predator-proof environment.

Exempts medical research, veterinary treatment, transportation, fair exhibitions, 4-H programs, slaughter, and temporary animal husbandry periods of up to 6 hours per 24-hour period and 24 hours per 30-day period.

Violations are subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000 for the first violation and up to $25,000 for subsequent violations; the act takes effect 24 months after enactment.