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Bill

Bill

J 1907

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Malayalee Heritage Month in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shelley Mayer

Requests the Governor to proclaim May 2026 as Malayalee Heritage Month in New York to honor Malayali contributions within AAPI Heritage Month.

REFERRED TO FINANCE
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Bill Summary · J 1907

Summary: Memorializing Governor Hochul to Proclaim May 2026 as Malayalee Heritage Month (New York) – S. Res. No. 1907 (2025-2026)

Purpose and intent

  • This Senate Resolution requests that Governor Kathy Hochul proclaim May 2026 as “Malayalee Heritage Month” in the State of New York.
  • The resolution aligns the Malayalee recognition with National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month observances.

Key provisions and changes

  • Formal request to the Governor: The bill asks the Governor to issue an official proclamation recognizing Malayalee Heritage Month in May 2026.
  • Scope of designation: The proclamation would acknowledge Malayali people, a multi-ethnic linguistic group from Kerala, India, who speak Malayalam (a Dravidian language).
  • Rationale offered: Emphasizes the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to New York’s economy, culture, and public life, and highlights the Malayali community’s American diaspora presence.

Who or what is affected

  • Government action: The primary effect is symbolic and ceremonial, requiring the Governor to issue a proclamation.
  • Communities affected: Malayali people (Malayalam-speaking residents with heritage from Kerala, India) and the broader Malayalee diaspora in New York and nationwide.
  • Public recognition: May influence public awareness and celebration of Malayalee heritage within New York during the designated month.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Referred to the Senate Finance Committee (as of 2026-04-16), indicating the bill is pending further consideration or potential action in the budget/finance oversight process.
  • Timing: The requested designation is for May 2026, in conjunction with National AAPI Heritage Month.
  • Formal process: If enacted and signed, a commemorative proclamation would be issued by the Governor recognizing Malayalee Heritage Month.

Additional context

  • The resolution references the broader contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders to New York’s diversity, culture, and economy.
  • It notes demographic information about Malayalis in the United States, including historical population data and geographic concentrations, to support the cultural significance of the designation.

This summary provides the core purpose, provisions, affected parties, and procedural status of Bill S. Res. No. 1907, advocating a ceremonial declaration rather than creating new statutory obligations or funding.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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