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New YorkS 63602025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Clarifies provisions regarding the use of crossbows for hunting

Sponsored By: Pete Harckham (Democratic)

Became Law

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATIONCODES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Hunters get broader crossbow use

The law now treats crossbows as long bows. The state can let licensed hunters use crossbows for big game anywhere long bows are allowed, by regulation. Check current DEC rules and season dates for your area.

Crossbows barred in muzzleloader seasons

In special muzzle-loading seasons, you may not use a crossbow. To take deer or bear in those seasons and areas, you must use a muzzle-loading firearm. This also applies when taking deer without antlers or with antlers under three inches in those seasons.

500-foot no-shoot zone for crossbows

In Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk, you may not fire a crossbow within 500 feet of homes, schools, playgrounds, public buildings, occupied farms, factories, or churches. Other counties can adopt the same 500-foot rule by local law. This protects people near buildings and limits where hunters can shoot. Check your county’s rules before using a crossbow.

New crossbow safety rules, size limits lifted

A hunting crossbow must have a working safety. It must have at least a 100-pound peak draw weight. The law removes old size, width, length, and bolt-length rules. This keeps safety standards while allowing more models to qualify.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Pete Harckham

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Christopher Ryan

    Democratic • Senate

  • George Borrello

    Republican • Senate

  • Jake Ashby

    Republican • Senate

  • James Skoufis

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

    Democratic • Senate

  • Julia Salazar

    Democratic • Senate

  • Leroy Comrie

    Democratic • Senate

  • Michelle Hinchey

    Democratic • Senate

  • Pamela Helming

    Republican • Senate

  • Patrick M. Gallivan

    Republican • Senate

  • Rachel May

    Democratic • Senate

  • Robert Jackson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Thomas F. O'Mara

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 67 • No: 3

Senate vote • 6/11/2025

FLOOR Vote

Yes: 57 • No: 2

committee vote • 5/13/2025

Environmental Conservation Committee Vote

Yes: 10 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. SIGNED CHAP.358

    8/26/2025Senate

  2. DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR

    8/22/2025Senate

  3. RETURNED TO SENATE

    6/17/2025House

  4. PASSED ASSEMBLY

    6/17/2025House

  5. ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.876

    6/17/2025House

  6. SUBSTITUTED FOR A8330A

    6/17/2025House

  7. REFERRED TO CODES

    6/11/2025House

  8. DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY

    6/11/2025Senate

  9. PASSED SENATE

    6/11/2025Senate

  10. ADVANCED TO THIRD READING

    5/15/2025Senate

  11. 2ND REPORT CAL.

    5/14/2025Senate

  12. 1ST REPORT CAL.1055

    5/13/2025Senate

  13. PRINT NUMBER 6360A

    5/8/2025Senate

  14. AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

    5/8/2025Senate

  15. REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

    3/11/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Amendment A

    5/8/2025

    PDF

  • Original

    3/11/2025

    PDF

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