Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Pedestrian Safety Month in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dean Murray

Urges Governor Hochul to proclaim October 2025 as Pedestrian Safety Month in New York, raising statewide awareness and safety for pedestrians and road users without new spending.

ADOPTED

Summary of Assembly Joint Resolution J237

What the bill does

J237 is a memorializing resolution urging Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025 as Pedestrian Safety Month in the State of New York.

The bill is a formal expression of the Legislature’s support for pedestrian safety awareness during October 2025. It does not create new laws, authorize spending, or establish programs by itself; its effect is to request the Governor to issue a proclamation.

Main purpose and intent

Highlight and prioritize pedestrian safety across New York State.

Encourage public awareness, education, and safety initiatives related to pedestrians, drivers, and roadway infrastructure during October 2025, contingent on the Governor’s proclamation.

Key provisions and changes

The core provision: a formal memorializing request to the Governor to proclaim October 2025 as Pedestrian Safety Month in New York.

No fiscal appropriations or mandatory program requirements are included within the bill itself.

The resolution relies on the Executive Branch to act via proclamation, rather than establishing state programs or mandates.

Who is affected

General public and road users in New York State (pedestrians, drivers, cyclists) who would benefit from heightened awareness and safety messaging.

State and local government entities (e.g., transportation agencies, law enforcement, schools, community organizations) that may participate in or promote pedestrian safety activities if a proclamation is issued.

Media, nonprofits, schools, and community groups that undertake awareness campaigns in support of Pedestrian Safety Month.

Procedural history and timeline

Introduced: January 16, 2025.

Referred to Finance: January 16, 2025.

Reported to calendar for consideration: January 22, 2025 (duplicate entries indicate multiple committee movements or clerical records).

Adopted: January 22, 2025.

Sponsor: Dean Murray (primary).

Status and potential impact

Status: ADOPTED (a formal resolution of the Legislature).

Since the measure is a memorializing resolution, its immediate effect is to urge action by the Governor; the actual designation of Pedestrian Safety Month depends on Governor Hochul issuing a proclamation for October 2025.

Fiscal impact: Not specified in the bill; typically, proclamations do not impose new mandatory spending. Any specific programs or campaigns would depend on subsequent actions by the Governor or state agencies.

Practical note

If the Governor issues the proclamation, October 2025 would be recognized statewide as Pedestrian Safety Month, potentially aligning with safety campaigns, public events, and educational outreach coordinated by state and local partners.