New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09741

Introduced
4/2/26  
Refer
4/2/26  

Caption

Enacts the "bird safe buildings act" directing the commissioner of general services to incorporate practices and strategies to reduce bird fatality resulting from collisions with certain state-owned or state-leased buildings, and for other purposes; requires the commissioner to develop a design guide that includes features, methods and strategies, and best practices for reducing bird fatalities.

Impact

The enactment of S09741 will require the Commissioner of General Services to develop a comprehensive design guide that details methods, strategies, and best practices for minimizing bird fatalities resulting from collisions. This guide will not only outline architectural modifications but also recommend operational practices, such as limiting unnecessary lighting during bird migration seasons and utilizing bird-friendly materials. These directives could lead to significant improvements in local biodiversity and promote awareness about conservation efforts in state agencies.

Summary

S09741, also known as the 'Bird Safe Buildings Act', aims to enhance the safety of bird species by mandating the incorporation of bird-safe features in state-owned and state-leased buildings. This legislation is part of a broader movement to mitigate environmental impacts stemming from urban development. By addressing the significant issue of bird collisions, particularly with large glass structures, the bill seeks to provide guidance on strategies and features that can be implemented during the construction and alteration of these buildings.

Conclusion

Overall, S09741 represents a crucial step towards aligning state practices with environmental stewardship principles. By formalizing the need for bird-safe features in public infrastructure, the bill has the potential to foster a greater ecological balance and set a precedent for future legislative initiatives aimed at wildlife conservation.

Contention

While the intent behind the bill is largely positive, there may be contention surrounding the practical implications of its implementation. Opponents could raise concerns regarding the financial and logistical burden this law might impose on state entities tasked with compliance. Additionally, there can be debates about the effectiveness of certain recommended practices, especially concerning older buildings that may not easily align with the new standards. The bill explicitly excludes buildings listed or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, which might lead to discussions about how historic properties can also incorporate bird-safe practices without compromising their integrity.

Companion Bills

NY A03180

Same As Enacts the "bird safe buildings act" directing the commissioner of general services to incorporate practices and strategies to reduce bird fatality resulting from collisions with certain state-owned or state-leased buildings, and for other purposes; requires the commissioner to develop a design guide that includes features, methods and strategies, and best practices for reducing bird fatalities.

Previously Filed As

NY A03180

Enacts the "bird safe buildings act" directing the commissioner of general services to incorporate practices and strategies to reduce bird fatality resulting from collisions with certain state-owned or state-leased buildings, and for other purposes; requires the commissioner to develop a design guide that includes features, methods and strategies, and best practices for reducing bird fatalities.

NY S03658

Enacts the feathered lives also count act directing the commissioner of general services to incorporate practices and strategies to reduce bird fatality resulting from collisions with certain state-owned or state-leased buildings, and for other purposes; requires the commissioner to develop a design guide that includes features, methods and strategies, and best practices for reducing bird fatalities; requires the commissioner to report to the governor and the legislature.

NY A08327

Prohibits the sale of birds at retail pet shops; provides exceptions for certain domesticated game birds and other birds including chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, peafowl and pigeons.

NY H0011

Designation of the State Birds

NY S0880

Designation of the State Birds

NY S0150

Designation of the State Birds

NY H0081

Designation of the State Birds

NY HB81

Designation of the State Birds:

NY A10189

Prohibits the use of adhesive-based rodent traps in state-owned or state-leased buildings.

NY HB1547

Relating to the exclusion from the market value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes of the value of any improvement, or any feature incorporated in an improvement, made to the property if the primary purpose of the improvement or feature is compliance with the requirements of standards that address accessible design of buildings or other facilities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.