BILL NUMBER: S780
SPONSOR: HINCHEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to expand-
ing the definition of crops, livestock and livestock products to include
cannabis; and amends a chapter of the laws of 2024 amending the agricul-
ture and markets law relating to expanding the definition of crops,
livestock and livestock products to include cannabis, as proposed in
legislative bills numbers S. 1752 and A. 1234, in relation to the effec-
tiveness thereof
 
PURPOSE:
This is a chapter amendment that makes changes to provisions of L.2024,
c.605, defines cannabis as an agricultural product and makes it eligible
to receive an agricultural assessment along with other protections
afforded in the Agricultural Districts law.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
This legislation makes technical changes to the definition of agricul-
tural products to include cannabis.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Now that New York State has legalized the adult use of cannabis, the
interest from farmers in growing this crop has increased. Clarifying
that cannabis qualifies for the program will help to avoid any confusion
for local assessors.
This legislation is a negotiated change to the underlying chapter.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Chapter Amendment to Chapter 605 of the Laws of 2024. S.1752 and A.1234
both passed the Senate and Assembly in May 2024.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately; provided, however, that section
one of this act shall take effect on the same date and in the same
manner as a chapter of the laws of 2024 amending the agriculture and
markets law relating to expanding the definition of crops, livestock and
livestock products to include cannabis, as proposed in legislative bills
numbers S. 1752 and A. 1234, takes effect.