S8823

The Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Harckham to amend the Environmental Conservation Law and regulate horseshoe crabs, with a vote of 44-14 on Tuesday. The bill restricts the use of horseshoe crabs, drawing opposition from 14 senators who cited concerns about limiting biomedical research. Sen. Rhoads, voting against the measure, said he supported horseshoe crab restrictions generally but believed the bill should have carved out an exception for biomedical research. "I think you're inhibiting New York State being an innovator with respect to biomedical research by restricting horseshoe crabs from being used for that purpose," Rhoads said. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment.