A10352: Lead-Free Game Donation Act Would Ban Lead-Ammo Venison from Food Banks

Assembly Bill A10352, the "Lead-Free Game Donation Act," introduced on February 26, 2026 by Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, would prohibit the donation or distribution for human consumption of game taken with lead-based ammunition in New York. The bill reached the Third Reading calendar the week of April 23, 2026.^[1]

What the Bill Would Do

A10352 amends two existing statutes. It amends Environmental Conservation Law Section 11-0917 by adding a new subdivision 11 that: (a) defines "lead ammunition" as any ammunition containing one or more percent lead by weight; (b) declares that game taken by firearm using lead ammunition shall be ineligible for donation, distribution, or service for human consumption in New York; and (c) authorizes the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, to publish a list of recognized non-lead ammunition types. The bill also amends Agriculture and Markets Law Section 71-z to align food safety standards for donated game with the new prohibition.

What Is Unaffected

The bill explicitly does not restrict donations of game taken by archery or by firearm using non-lead ammunition. A hunter who takes a deer with a copper bullet or other non-lead projectile may still donate the processed meat to a food pantry or charitable organization. The prohibition applies only to firearm-harvested game where lead ammunition was used.

Legislative Findings and Context

The bill's legislative findings state that lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure, that children and pregnant people face the greatest risk, and that scientific studies have demonstrated that game taken with lead-based ammunition contains small, widely dispersed lead fragments. The findings note that recipients of charitable food donations "often the neediest New Yorkers" should not bear the risk of lead contamination. The bill also references Chapter 358 of the laws of 2025, which expanded crossbow use in archery seasons, as part of the state's broader support for non-lead hunting alternatives.^[2]

Impact on Hunters and Donation Programs

New York's venison donation programs, which connect hunters with food banks and charitable organizations, would need to implement new intake procedures to verify ammunition type. Non-lead rifle and pistol ammunition is commercially available, though often at higher cost than standard lead-core ammunition. The bill does not restrict hunters from using lead ammunition for personal consumption, only from donating such game for third-party distribution.

Legislative Status

A10352 was introduced in February 2026 and referred to the Committee on Environmental Conservation. The bill reached Third Reading in the Assembly the week of April 23, 2026. If enacted, it would take effect two years after becoming law, giving hunters, processors, and donation programs time to adapt. The bill has not passed either chamber and has not been signed into law.