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

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jon Rivera

Urges NY Governor to proclaim June 2025 as World Refugee Awareness Month; a nonbinding memorialization to boost public awareness and rally schools, nonprofits, and communities.

ADOPTED

Overview

Bill K 454 is a memorialization resolution urging Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as World Refugee Awareness Month in New York. The measure is classified as a resolution, not a statute, and is sponsored by Jonathan Rivera (primary). The bill has been adopted by the legislature and is presented for the governor’s consideration as a formal request for a proclamation.

Purpose and intent

Formally request (in the form of a resolution) that the Governor issue a proclamation designating June 2025 as World Refugee Awareness Month in New York.

Elevate awareness of refugees’ experiences, contributions, and the ongoing need for supportive policies and community engagement at the state level.

Key provisions and changes

The core action is a memorialization urging the executive branch to proclaim June 2025 as World Refugee Awareness Month.

As a resolution, it does not create new statutes, impose new duties on state agencies, or authorize spending. It is a symbolic statement intended to influence public awareness and commemorative activities.

No substantive programmatic changes or funding mechanisms are included in the bill.

Who or what is affected

Primarily serves to influence the Governor’s office to issue a proclamation.

Indirectly affects state residents, schools, nonprofits, faith-based and community organizations by encouraging awareness activities, educational events, and recognition of refugee communities during June 2025.

May guide or inspire state and local entities to observe and participate in World Refugee Awareness Month activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: May 6, 2025.

Legislative actions show two sequential steps: referred to calendar (May 6) and adopted (May 7), with duplicate entries for each step in the record. This reflects the bill’s progression through the legislature and its formal adoption as a memorialization.

Status: ADOPTED. The resolution has been approved by the legislature and is awaiting (or awaiting confirmation of) a proclamation by the Governor.

Sponsor: Jonathan Rivera (primary).

Potential impact and considerations

The proclamation, if issued by the Governor, would publicly recognize World Refugee Awareness Month and may bolster awareness, education, and support for refugee communities statewide.

As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new legal rights or obligations or require funding.

Could prompt participation by schools, local governments, and organizations in events or programming during June 2025 to highlight refugee issues and contributions.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar memorial resolutions or outline potential advocacy steps for stakeholders to maximize awareness during the proclaimed month.

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