Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steven Raga

Urges New York Governor to proclaim March 2025 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, creating ceremonial statewide recognition to boost awareness, education, and support.

ADOPTED

Summary: Bill K 148 — Memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim March 2025 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month (New York)

Purpose and intent

This is a memorializing resolution urging the Governor of New York to proclaim March 2025 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in the state.

The bill seeks formal statewide recognition of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and to promote awareness, education, and support for individuals and families affected by MS.

Key provisions

The resolution states the Legislature’s request that Governor Kathy Hochul issue a proclamation designating March 2025 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in New York.

It expresses support for activities typically associated with MS Awareness Month, including public education, outreach by health and community organizations, and recognition of efforts to advance MS research, care, and resources.

As a memorializing resolution, it serves as a formal commendation and exhortation rather than new law or a change in statutory rights or obligations.

Affected parties and scope

Primary effect: Creates ceremonial statewide recognition and public endorsement of MS awareness.

Beneficiaries: Individuals diagnosed with MS, their families, advocacy and support groups, healthcare providers, educators, researchers, and the general public who benefit from increased awareness and education.

Health and community organizations may align activities in March 2025 with the recognition, though there is no mandatory action or funding required by the resolution itself.

Procedural and timeline details

Introduced: February 28, 2025.

Legislative action: Referred to calendar on February 28, 2025.

Adopted: March 3, 2025.

Next step: The adopted resolution would be transmitted to Governor Hochul for signing or approval (to issue the proclamation). Being a resolution, it does not create enforceable duties or new statutes and does not authorize spending.

Overall impact

The bill is ceremonial and non-binding, designed to publicly acknowledge MS awareness and encourage related outreach during March 2025.

If the Governor issues the proclamation, March 2025 would be recognized statewide as MS Awareness Month, reinforcing community support, education, and visibility for MS-related initiatives.