Requires a farm owner or operator that produces shell eggs or liquid eggs for human consumption to confine egg-laying hens in a cage-free housing system.

New York Assembly Bill A00652, introduced on January 8, 2025, mandates that farm owners or operators producing shell or liquid eggs for human consumption must house egg-laying hens in cage-free systems. This means hens should be kept in environments that allow them to move freely, without confinement in cages. The bill was referred to the Assembly Agriculture Committee on January 7, 2026, but did not progress further and died in committee.

Supporters of the bill, including animal welfare organizations and certain consumer advocacy groups, argue that transitioning to cage-free systems improves the well-being of hens by allowing natural behaviors such as nesting and perching. They also suggest that such practices can lead to higher-quality eggs and align with growing consumer demand for ethically produced food.

Opponents, particularly from the egg production industry, express concerns about the financial burden of converting existing facilities to cage-free systems. They warn that these changes could lead to increased production costs, higher egg prices for consumers, and potential economic challenges for small-scale farmers who may struggle to afford the necessary modifications.