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Bill

A 228

Designates March twenty-first as Down Syndrome Awareness Day

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Angelino and 47 co-sponsors

Designates March 21 as Down Syndrome Awareness Day in New York, recognizing inclusion and support for people with Down syndrome and their families.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
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Bill Summary · A 228

Summary of Bill A 228 — Designates March Twenty-First as Down Syndrome Awareness Day

Overview

  • Bill Number: A 228
  • Title: Designates March twenty-first as Down Syndrome Awareness Day
  • Status: REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Classification: bill

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill would designate March 21st as Down Syndrome Awareness Day in New York. The designation aims to recognize and increase awareness and understanding of Down syndrome and to show support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
  • The date chosen (March 21) aligns with the internationally observed World Down Syndrome Day, which emphasizes inclusion, rights, and opportunities for people with Down syndrome.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the available summary)

  • Designation: The core provision designates March 21 as Down Syndrome Awareness Day within the state.
  • Observance: Specific observance details (e.g., required statewide programs, proclamations, or funding) are not provided in the available summary. The exact mechanisms for observance, recognition timing, or involvement by state agencies are not specified here.
  • No funding or mandatory program creation is described in the provided information.

Affected Parties and Scope

  • Primarily relevant to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, advocacy organizations, and communities across New York.
  • Schools, local government units, and state agencies may implement or observe the designation in keeping with standard practice for named observances, should such provisions appear in the full text.

Legislative History and Related Actions

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Committee: Referred to Governmental Operations (listed twice in the actions, indicating formal referral in the record).
  • Related/Companion Legislation:
    • S 3500 (companion bill in the Senate)
    • A 10598 (prior-session)
    • A 7267 (prior-session)
  • Sponsors: A broad slate of cosponsors and one primary sponsor, Catalina Cruz, indicating significant cross-member support. Notable names include numerous current and former assembly members from diverse districts.

Related Bills and Observations

  • Companion bill S 3500 exists, suggesting parallel consideration in the Senate.
  • Prior-session bills (A 10598 and A 7267) may reflect prior attempts to achieve a similar designation, potentially providing context or differing language.

Practical Implications and Next Steps

  • If enacted, the bill would establish March 21 as Down Syndrome Awareness Day in New York, signaling formal recognition and potentially encouraging awareness activities, proclamations, or events at the state and local levels.
  • The current status indicates the bill is in committee; further steps would include committee consideration, potential amendments, and floor votes before passage or defeat.
  • Readers should review the full bill text for precise provisions, any mandated actions, or funding implications once a complete version is available.

If you’d like, I can compare A 228 to its companion S 3500 or summarize the language from the related prior-session bills to highlight differences in approach or scope.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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