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K 1220

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 4-10, 2026, as Banned Books Week in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jen Lunsford

Urges the Governor to proclaim October 4–10, 2026 as Banned Books Week in New York to celebrate reading freedom and highlight book bans and access to diverse literature.

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Bill Summary · K 1220

Summary of Bill K 1220 (2025-2026) – New York

Title

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 4-10, 2026, as Banned Books Week in the State of New York

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill is a memorial resolution urging the Governor to officially proclaim a state observance: October 4–10, 2026 as Banned Books Week in New York.
  • It aligns New York with National Banned Books Week and the broader “freedom to read” campaign.
  • The resolution frames Banned Books Week as a recognition of the importance of free expression and access to diverse literature, including works that may be controversial or challenged.

Key Provisions

  • The resolution memorializes the Governor to issue the proclamation designating October 4–10, 2026, as Banned Books Week in New York.
  • It references the purpose of Banned Books Week as promoted by the American Library Association and Amnesty International, emphasizing the right to read and highlight persecuted authors and readers.
  • It cites PEN America’s definition of a school book ban (actions based on content due to challenges or political/governmental pressures that remove or restrict access to books) and situates the week within the broader context of protecting First Amendment freedoms.
  • It notes examples of activities during Banned Books Week (e.g., The Virtual Read-Out, The First Amendment Film Festival) and cites data from PEN America about bans during the 2024–25 school year (6,870 bans across 23 states and 87 districts), with emphasis on authors of color, LGBTQ+ authors, women, and topics like racism, sexuality, gender, and history.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • While primarily symbolic, the bill would influence:
    • The Governor’s office, which would issue a formal proclamation designating the week.
    • Public awareness and education sectors by aligning with Banned Books Week activities.
    • Public libraries, schools, and community organizations that participate in or plan events during the week.
  • The resolution reinforces the principle of the First Amendment rights related to access to diverse literature.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Action History:
    • April 27, 2026: Referred to Calendar
    • April 28, 2026: Adopted
  • The bill functions as a memorial resolution rather than substantive statutory change; it requests the Governor’s proclamation for a specific future date (October 4–10, 2026).

Additional Context

  • The bill frames Banned Books Week as a national and international concern about persecuted readers and authors, advocate organizations, and the importance of maintaining access to a wide range of viewpoints in education and libraries.
  • It emphasizes upholding First Amendment rights and ensuring access to literature regardless of controversy.

Bottom Line

K 1220 is a ceremonial measure urging the Governor to proclaim October 4–10, 2026, as Banned Books Week in New York, connecting state observance to national campaigns that celebrate reading freedom and raise awareness about bans and challenges to books.

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

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