Bill

J 836

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 24, 2025 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Gounardes

New York joint memorializing resolution asks the Governor to proclaim April 24, 2025 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day; symbolic, no law or funds; promotes remembrance.

ADOPTED

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · J 836

Bill Summary: J 836 — Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day Memorial

Overview

J 836 is a New York State Assembly/Senate joint resolution titled “Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 24, 2025 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in the State of New York.” The bill is classified as a resolution and, upon enactment by the Legislature, requests the Governor to issue a proclamation recognizing and observing Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day on April 24, 2025. The primary sponsor is Andrew Gounardes.

Purpose and Intent

To formally recognize the Armenian Genocide and memorialize the Governor to designate a specific day (April 24, 2025) as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in New York State.
To express the Legislature’s stance in support of remembrance, education, and human rights related to the Armenian Genocide.

Key Provisions

The resolution would memorialize the Governor to proclaim April 24, 2025, as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day within New York State.
It is a symbolic, commemorative action and does not create new laws or authorize expenditures.
The resolution may include findings recognizing the historical significance and the importance of remembrance and education, though the exact “WHEREAS” language is not provided here.

Procedural History and Timeline

Introduced: April 21, 2025
Initial action: Referred to Finance (per the provided legislative actions)
Subsequent actions: Reported to calendar for consideration and ADOPTED on April 29, 2025 (the record shows multiple entries of “reported to calendar for consideration” and “adopted” on that date)
Status: ADOPTED
Next step: Likely transmitted to Governor Hochul for a proclamation designating the requested day, though the Governor’s action is separate from the Legislature’s adoption of the resolution.

Potential Impact

Symbolic recognition: Signals New York’s formal acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide and aligns state observances with National and international commemorations.
Educational and cultural impact: May encourage schools, public institutions, and community organizations to observe or hold events on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.
Governance: As a proclamation request, the practical impact rests with the Governor’s office issuing a proclamation; it does not impose new legal obligations or allocate funds.

Notes

The bill is a memorializing resolution with no fiscal impact and no changes to statutory law.
If issued as a proclamation, it would complement other state and local observances recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

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