Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 7, 2025, as Fentanyl Awareness Day in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jen Lunsford

Urges Governor to proclaim May 7, 2025 as Fentanyl Awareness Day in NY; symbolic, no new laws or funding, aims to boost public awareness and overdose prevention.

ADOPTED

Summary of Bill K 444 – Memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim May 7, 2025 as Fentanyl Awareness Day

Overview

Bill K 444 is a New York State Assembly memorializing resolution. Its central purpose is to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 7, 2025, as Fentanyl Awareness Day throughout the State of New York. As a memorialization, it expresses the Legislature’s support for heightened public awareness and education on fentanyl-related risks and overdose prevention. It is not a law and does not create new regulatory or funding obligations.

Purpose and Intent

Recognize the public health and safety concerns posed by fentanyl.

Honor victims and survivors affected by fentanyl-related overdoses.

Promote public awareness, education, and prevention efforts related to fentanyl risks.

Request the Governor to issue a formal proclamation designating May 7, 2025, as Fentanyl Awareness Day in New York.

Key Provisions

A formal statement of support for fentanyl awareness and overdose prevention.

A directive to Governor Hochul to proclaim May 7, 2025, as Fentanyl Awareness Day in the state.

May reference broad goals such as public education, community outreach, and coordination with state agencies and health organizations, without creating new mandates or funding mechanisms.

Clarifies the resolution’s intent as a symbolic acknowledgment rather than regulatory action.

Who/What Is Affected

The Governor’s Office, which would issue the proclamation if the resolution is adopted.

State and local public health, education, and community organizations that may implement associated awareness activities following a proclamation.

The general public in New York, particularly communities impacted by fentanyl use and overdoses, through heightened awareness and potential engagement with prevention resources.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduced: May 6, 2025.

Legislative actions show: referred to calendar on May 6, 2025, and adopted on May 7, 2025 (with two entries noting adoption on the same date).

Sponsor: Jen Lunsford (primary).

Status: ADOPTED.

Impact and Implementation

The bill’s impact hinges on the Governor issuing a proclamation. If issued, May 7, 2025 would be recognized statewide, potentially catalyzing awareness campaigns, community events, and collaboration among health and safety stakeholders.

As a symbolic measure, it does not authorize new programs or allocate funds by itself. Any subsequent activities would depend on the Governor’s proclamation and related public-health initiatives.