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K 620

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 5-11, 2025, as Banned Books Week in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jen Lunsford

Urges Governor to proclaim Oct 5–11, 2025 as Banned Books Week in NY; a ceremonial push to raise awareness of intellectual freedom for libraries, schools, students, and readers.

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Bill Summary · K 620

Summary of NYS Bill K 620 — Memorializing Governor to Proclaim Banned Books Week

Overview

Bill K 620 is a New York State resolution that memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 5–11, 2025 as Banned Books Week in the State of New York. The measure is classified as a resolution (not a statute) and has been adopted.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim is to secure an official gubernatorial proclamation recognizing Banned Books Week in New York for the specified dates.
  • By memorializing the Governor, the bill seeks to publicly acknowledge the importance of intellectual freedom and the ongoing discussion around access to diverse books in libraries and schools.

Key Provisions

  • Provisions: The bill expresses the sense of the legislature that Governor Hochul should issue a proclamation designating October 5–11, 2025 as Banned Books Week in New York.
  • Scope: The resolution does not create new law, alter statutory authority, or authorize spending. It is a ceremonial measure intended to solicit a public proclamation.
  • Observance: The proclamation, if issued, would typically recognize efforts to protect access to information and celebrate the freedom to read.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Affected Parties: Public libraries, school libraries, educators, students, authors, publishing communities, and the general public in New York.
  • Practical Impact: Since this is a memorializing resolution, the direct impact is symbolic and ceremonial. It does not impose new requirements or funding but may influence public awareness and support for intellectual freedom and access to diverse literature.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: May 28, 2025
  • Legislative Actions:
    • May 28, 2025: Referred to Calendar
    • May 29, 2025: Adopted (listed twice in the actions)
  • Sponsor: Jen Lunsford (primary)

Summary Assessment

K 620 is a straightforward ceremonial resolution urging the Governor to issue a proclamation recognizing Banned Books Week in New York for October 5–11, 2025. It was introduced in late May 2025, referred to calendar, and subsequently adopted within days. The measure signals legislative support for acknowledging concerns about censorship and promoting access to diverse literature, without creating statutory or fiscal obligations.

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

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