NY A09598

Prohibits New York State and its governmental agencies, political subdivisions, and public benefit corporations from purchasing tropical hardwoods or tropical hardwood products unless they are secondary (recycled) materials

Expands the definition of "tropical forests" to include human-managed forests, partially degraded regenerating forests, High Conservation Value areas, and High Carbon Stock forests, including tropical peatlands

Significantly expands the list of prohibited tropical hardwood species from the original 1995 law to include over 100 species such as African Blackwood, various mahoganies, rosewood, teak, and ebony

Requires the Department of Environmental Conservation to update the list of tropical hardwood species by January 1, 2030, and at least every three years thereafter

Provides temporary exemptions for the MTA's use of ekki wood for railroad ties (until 2032, extendable to 2037) and for ferry services and bridges in cities over one million using greenheart wood (until 2035, extendable to 2040), with mandatory transition plans due by October 1, 2027