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Bill

A 1523

Designates rescue cats as the official state cat

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Donna Lupardo and 2 co-sponsors

Designates rescue cats as New York's official state cat to promote shelter cat adoption and public awareness of feline welfare.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
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Bill Summary · A 1523

Summary of Assembly Bill A 1523 – Designates Rescue Cats as the Official State Cat

Overview

  • Bill Number: A 1523
  • Title: Designates rescue cats as the official state cat
  • Status: Referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations
  • Introduced: January 10, 2025
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary: Linda Rosenthal
    • Cosponsors: Steven Raga, Donna Lupardo
  • Related Bills (prior sessions): A 718, A 891, A 8418, A 4160, A 948, A 1415, A 3789

Purpose and Intent

The bill intends to designate rescue cats as the official state cat. This designation is typically a symbolic measure aimed at promoting animal welfare, encouraging cat rescue and adoption, and raising public awareness about the benefits of adopting cats from shelters or rescue organizations.

Key Provisions (as described by the bill’s purpose)

  • Designation: The bill would designate rescue cats as the official state cat.
  • Symbolic Use: While the full text is not provided here, such designations commonly authorize use of the symbol in educational and promotional activities related to cat welfare, adoption campaigns, and state-sponsored awareness efforts.
  • No Additional Mandates Stated: Based on the available information, there are no explicit new duties, penalties, or funding provisions described in the summary.

Note: The specific statutory language detailing duties, official adoption processes for the designated cat, or any regulatory framework is not included in the provided materials.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Rescue Cats and Shelters/Rescue Organizations: The designation highlights their role in cat welfare and may align with campaigns to promote adoption.
  • New York State and Public Education/Advocacy Efforts: State agencies, nonprofits, and schools may reference the official state cat in awareness campaigns and events.
  • Residents/Animal Adopters: Increased visibility of rescue cat adoption could influence public attitudes and adoption decisions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: January 10, 2025
  • Committee Action: Referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations (inactive status until committee consideration; no further action details provided)
  • Notes on Process: The bill's progress will depend on committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the Assembly. If advanced, it would then move to the Senate for consideration and a possible veto-proof passage.

Context and Related Legislation

  • The bill is part of a broader set of prior-session proposals (A 718, A 891, A 8418, A 4160, A 948, A 1415, A 3789) that have previously pursued designations or initiatives related to the state cat or animal welfare topics. This suggests ongoing interest in promoting rescue and adoption through symbolic state recognitions.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Monitor for updates from the Assembly’s Committee on Governmental Operations for hearings or amendments.
  • If enacted, review the final language to understand any specific uses, branding, or educational initiatives associated with the official state cat designation.
  • Consider engaging with local animal welfare groups to learn how such a designation might support rescue and adoption efforts.

If you’d like, I can add a brief note comparing A 1523 to the related prior-session bills to show how this proposal has evolved over time.

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

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