Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Women's History Month in the State of New York, recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in all aspects of society

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

Urges Governor to proclaim March 2025 as Women’s History Month in New York, recognizing women’s contributions across society; ceremonial, no spending or legal changes.

ADOPTED

What the bill is and its purpose

Bill: J 439

Type: Joint memorializing resolution (ceremonial)

Title: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025 as Women’s History Month in the State of New York, recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in all aspects of society

Intent: Urge the Governor to issue a proclamation recognizing March 2025 as Women’s History Month across New York, while expressly acknowledging the significant contributions of women to the state and society.

Key provisions and changes

Primary action: The resolution memorializes the Governor to proclaim March 2025 as Women’s History Month in New York.

Recognition emphasis: Highlights the invaluable contributions of women in all sectors of society (e.g., politics, economy, science, education, arts, community leadership).

Nature of measure: Ceremonial and symbolic; does not establish new laws, spending, or regulatory requirements.

Scope: Applies to the State of New York and its residents, institutions, and public life during March 2025.

Who/what would be affected

Governor: Would be urged to issue a proclamation designating March 2025 as Women’s History Month.

New Yorkers and state institutions: Encouraged to observe and recognize Women’s History Month during March 2025.

Public education, cultural organizations, and community groups: May align programs, events, and educational activities with the observance.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: March 3, 2025

Early action: Referred to Finance on March 3, 2025

Movement in committees/Calendar: Reported to calendar for consideration and subsequently adopted on March 4, 2025

Status: ADOPTED

Next step: With adoption, the Legislature has formally memorialized the Governor to issue the proclamation; the actual proclamation would be issued by the Governor if she so chooses.

Sponsors and support

Primary sponsor: Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Notable cosponsors: A broad roster including Mario Mattera, Gustavo Rivera, Michelle Hinchey, Nathalia Fernandez, José M. Serrano, Robert Ortt, Liz Krueger, James Tedisco, Kevin S. Parker, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and many others

Significance: The large and diverse list of cosponsors indicates broad cross-chamber and cross-member support for recognizing Women’s History Month.

Potential impact

Symbolic recognition: Elevates awareness of women’s contributions within New York State.

Public engagement: Encourages schools, organizations, and communities to acknowledge and celebrate Women’s History Month in March 2025.

Fiscal impact: None anticipated; as a ceremonial resolution, it does not authorize new spending or regulatory changes.

Bill