The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently installed a new database system, the DEC Automated Licensing System (known as "DECALS") which maintains information on sporting licenses and permits.
This database contains sensitive personal information, including details relating to personal matters (such as medical conditions and physical attributes), the release of which would be an unwarranted intrusion into an individual''s personal privacy. Moreover, the computerized nature of this database and the release in that format provides for ease of dissemination and exchange of such information, heightening the danger or invasion of personal privacy and the potential for identity theft.
Based upon these considerations, the Senate has determined that the contents of this database should not be disclosed outside of the agency because it is protected by the personal privacy provisions in the State Freedom of Information Law.
The Senate passed S.2759, a bill I cosponsor, which would make it explicit that such information is protected from disclosure outside of DEC, and would ensure that the DEC may continue to protect sporting license applicants'' just expectation that personal information will be kept private. It is my hope the Assembly will pass this legislation so that the Governor has the opportunity to sign it into law.
Additional bills I cosponsored this year which passed the Senate and await Assembly action include:
S.1284-A -- Creates the Youth Mentored Hunting Program, which would expand youth hunting opportunities while placing a premium on safety afield. Such a closely supervised program would stimulate the learning process of proper usage of sporting arms and a better understanding of hunting, wildlife conservation and the principles of hunting safety.
S.233 -- An act to amend the environmental conservation law in relation to deer season. This bill would create an additional open hunting season for deer that will occur after the close of all regular and special open hunting seasons end. This special hunting season would end by January 31 of the next succeeding year.Voting in favor of these bills reflects my view that few sports today teach an individual the respect for life, nature conservation and our heritage more than fishing and hunting. I will work with the Assembly and the Governor toward turning these measures into law.
As your State Senator I will continue to support your right to hunt and fish as an appropriate means to protect the wildlife we both respect and admire.
For the most updated information about changes to hunting and fishing regulations, please click on this link to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
|