ALBANY, N.Y. – New York is considering a bill that would require all eggs sold in the state to come from cage-free hens, a move modeled after California’s animal welfare law that reshaped the egg industry — and sent prices climbing.
Assembly Bill A00652, sponsored by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and co-sponsored by Alex Bores, would prohibit farm owners and operators from confining egg-laying hens in cages. It would also bar the sale of shell or liquid eggs from hens kept in non–cage-free housing, regardless of whether they were produced in or outside New York.
The measure defines a cage-free housing system as one where hens are free to roam indoors with access to perches, nest boxes, dust-bathing areas, and, in some cases, outdoor space. Farms would be required to meet standards set by the United Egg Producers’ animal husbandry guidelines.
Violations could bring civil penalties of up to $5,000 for a first offense and $25,000 for repeat offenses. Proceeds from fines would go into the state’s animal population control fund.
Supporters say the legislation will improve food safety and animal welfare, citing links between stressful confinement and higher salmonella risks. Critics warn the mandate could increase costs for producers and lead to higher egg prices for consumers, as seen in California after its similar law took effect.
If passed, the law would take effect 24 months after enactment, giving farms time to transition. The Senate version of the bill is S00950.
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Key Points
- NY bill A00652 would ban the sale of eggs from hens kept in cages.
- Farms must adopt cage-free systems with perches, nest boxes, and roaming space.
- Violators face fines up to $25,000; law would take effect two years after passage.
Egg lovers in New York may soon be paying more for their breakfast if the cage-free law passes.
