Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 27, 2025, as Holocaust Remembrance Day in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 62 co-sponsors

Urges the governor to proclaim January 27, 2025 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in New York, creating a ceremonial statewide day of remembrance.

ADOPTED

Summary: J 229 — Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 27, 2025, as Holocaust Remembrance Day in the State of New York

Overview

J 229 is a memorializing (non-binding) resolution urging the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, to proclaim January 27, 2025 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in New York State. The measure is procedural and ceremonial in nature, designed to express the Legislature’s support for recognizing Holocaust Remembrance Day at the state level.

Purpose and Intent

Publicly acknowledge the importance of Holocaust Remembrance Day and honor the memory of the victims of the Holocaust.

Urge the Governor to issue an official state proclamation designating January 27, 2025 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in New York.

Align with international observance practices surrounding International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27).

Key Provisions

The resolution memorializes the Governor to proclaim January 27, 2025 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in the State of New York.

Serves as a formal expression of the Legislature’s sentiment and support for recognizing the day statewide.

Does not authorize new programs, impose mandates, or create new spending or regulatory requirements.

Procedural History and Timeline

Introduced: January 15, 2025

Referral: Referred to the Finance committee (common for resolutions to obtain a fiscal note or cost assessment, though resolutions generally have minimal or no direct fiscal impact).

January 22, 2025: Reported to calendar for consideration

January 22, 2025: Adopted

Status: Adopted (the resolution has passed and is now a completed action, creating a request for the Governor to issue the proclamation)

Impact and Who Is Affected

Affects: State government leadership and public observance practices by promoting an official proclamation.

The primary effect is symbolic and ceremonial: it invites public recognition and potential commemorations by state agencies, schools, organizations, and communities.

No new statutory requirements or funding obligations are created by the resolution itself.

Next Steps and Practical Effects

If the Governor issues the requested proclamation, January 27, 2025 would be officially designated as Holocaust Remembrance Day within New York, potentially prompting official observances and related educational or commemorative activities across the state.

If no proclamation is issued, the resolution remains a formal expression of legislative sentiment without binding effect.

Note

The bill is a resolution, not a statute. It does not create enforceable law or budgeting; its value lies in formally recognizing and promoting remembrance and education about the Holocaust.