Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 20, 2025, as World Refugee Day in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Phara Souffrant Forrest

Urges NY Governor to proclaim June 20, 2025 as World Refugee Day; a nonbinding resolution to raise awareness and honor refugees in New York.

ADOPTED

Overview

Bill K 667 is a state legislative resolution adopted by New York’s Legislature that memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to issue a proclamation declaring June 20, 2025, as World Refugee Day in the State of New York. The bill is classified as a resolution rather than a law. It was introduced on June 4, 2025, and the Legislature adopted it on June 5, 2025. The primary sponsor is Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest.

Purpose and intent

Officially request the Governor to proclaim June 20, 2025, as World Refugee Day in New York.

Demonstrate the Legislature’s support for refugees and refugee communities, and align state recognition with the global observance of World Refugee Day.

Encourage heightened awareness and reflection on the experiences, contributions, and needs of refugees within the state.

Key provisions

A memorializing resolution that urges the Governor to issue a proclamation recognizing World Refugee Day on June 20, 2025.

Declaration acts as a formal expression of the Legislature’s support and does not create new law, mandate funding, or impose regulatory requirements.

Likely language emphasizes values such as inclusion, humanitarian commitment, and solidarity with refugee populations.

Who/what would be affected

Governor of New York: The resolution requests a gubernatorial proclamation.

Refugee communities in New York: Potential visibility and acknowledgment through state-level recognition.

General public in New York: Increased awareness of refugee issues and contributions; aligns state observances with international observance.

No fiscal impact or administrative obligations are created by the resolution itself.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction: June 4, 2025.

Referral: Referred to the calendar on June 4, 2025.

Adoption: Adopted on June 5, 2025 (listed in the version history with two adoption entries, reflecting standard legislative action processes).

Status: Adopted — the Legislature has formally expressed support and urged gubernatorial proclamation.

Sponsor: Phara Souffrant Forrest (primary).

Context and significance

World Refugee Day, observed internationally on June 20, recognizes refugees and promotes awareness of refugee issues. State-level proclamations reinforce public support for refugee communities and can complement ongoing state and local efforts to assist and integrate refugees.

As a non-binding resolution, the measure signals political goodwill, with the expectation that the Governor may issue a proclamation accordingly. It does not establish programs or allocate resources.

If you’d like, I can provide a brief comparison to similar memorializing resolutions or place this bill in the broader context of New York’s refugee-related policy measures.

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