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S 8643

Establishes the state flag for raising awareness of neurodiversity

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Monica Martinez

New York designates the Neurodiversity Strength Flag as the official state flag to raise awareness of neurodiversity, overseen by the Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
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Bill Summary · S 8643

Summary of Bill S.8643 (2025-2026) — New York

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a new official state flag, the "Neurodiversity Strength Flag," to raise awareness of neurodiversity in New York.
  • The flag is intended to symbolize and promote understanding of neurodiversity within state government and the public.

Key provisions and changes

  • Creates a new Section 94 in the state law:
    • Designation: The "Neurodiversity Strength Flag" shall be the official state flag for raising awareness of neurodiversity.
    • Development and utilization: The flag shall be developed by the Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board (as established by section 13.42 of the Mental Hygiene Law).
    • Review and updates: The flag design and usage shall be reviewed and updated as necessary, presumably by the Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who/what is affected

  • State government and agencies may adopt and display the Neurodiversity Strength Flag as the official flag for awareness purposes.
  • The Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board is structurally empowered to oversee the flag’s development and any future updates.
  • Public and private entities displaying state symbolism may reference the official flag as part of neurodiversity awareness initiatives.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and sponsor: Introduced January 7, 2026, by Sen. Martinez (co-sponsors include Monica Martinez).
  • Legislative path (as indicated by action history):
    • Referred to Investigations and Government Operations (Jan 7, 2026).
    • Advanced through committee and floor reviews in the Senate (April–June 2026).
    • Passed the Senate on June 1, 2026.
    • Delivered to the Assembly and referred to Government Operations (June 1, 2026).
  • The act becomes effective immediately upon enactment.

Additional notes

  • The bill mirrors the structure of a typical state-flag designation, emphasizing collaboration with the Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board under current Mental Hygiene Law provisions.
  • No funding or budget allocations are specified in the text provided; if enacted, implementing regulations or design specifics would be determined by the involved boards and subsequent administrative actions.

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

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