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S 4722

Requires the empire state plaza art commission to examine the historical significance of major rivers in the state of New York in connection with renaming the agency buildings located at the empire state plaza

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Fahy

Requires the Empire State Plaza Art Commission to examine the historical significance of New York’s major rivers when renaming agency buildings at the Empire State Plaza.

SUBSTITUTED BY A1914
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Bill Summary · S 4722

Summary — S.4722 (2025)

Title: Requires the Empire State Plaza Art Commission to examine the historical significance of major rivers in the State of New York in connection with renaming the agency buildings located at the Empire State Plaza

Purpose / Intent

The bill directs the Empire State Plaza Art Commission to study and take into account the historical significance of New York's major rivers when considering or implementing the renaming of state agency buildings located on the Empire State Plaza. The apparent intent is to ensure that any renaming decisions reflect geographic, historic, or cultural connections to the State’s riverine heritage.

Key provisions

  • Requires the Empire State Plaza Art Commission to examine the historical significance of the State’s major rivers in connection with renaming agency buildings located at the Empire State Plaza.
  • Ties the renaming process for Plaza buildings to an explicit review of river-related history, presumably to inform naming choices (the bill text made available to the summary request is limited to the title; specific procedures, reporting requirements, timelines, or criteria are not included in the materials provided).

Note: The full legislative text is not included in the materials provided. The summary above is based on the bill title and status information. The attached "Version Content" in the materials appears to be unrelated (a New Jersey bill on climate change and property insurance) and does not reflect S.4722’s subject matter.

Who would be affected

  • Empire State Plaza Art Commission — required to perform the examination and apply its findings in renaming deliberations.
  • State agencies occupying Empire State Plaza buildings — potential changes in building names and related signage/branding.
  • Communities and stakeholders with historical ties to New York rivers — may see increased public recognition of river-related history and cultural heritage.
  • State administrative offices — potential costs and logistics associated with any renaming (signage, stationery, databases, maps).

Legislative status and timeline

  • Sponsor: Senator Patricia Fahy (primary sponsor listed).
  • Key actions:
    • Introduced in the Senate: October 20, 2025 (referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee).
    • Passed Senate: April 29, 2025; delivered to Assembly and referred to relevant Assembly committees (Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development / Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation).
    • Amended on third reading as 4722A (May 20, 2025).
    • Returned to and reconsidered by the Senate (May 20, 2025).
    • Substituted by Assembly bill A1914: May 29, 2025 — status indicates the Assembly version (A1914) ultimately superseded S.4722 for further action.

Because S.4722 was substituted by A1914, the Assembly bill becomes the active vehicle; outcomes depend on A1914’s text and legislative progress.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Cultural recognition: Could increase public visibility of New York’s river histories and foster place-based naming that honors natural and cultural heritage.
  • Administrative costs: Renaming buildings can require funding for signage, communication, stationery, legal updates, maps, and digital systems.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Effective implementation would likely require outreach to historians, Indigenous communities, local governments, and riverine conservation groups.
  • Political/public debate: Naming decisions can generate differing views about historical interpretation and commemoration.

Next steps / Recommendations

  • Review the full text of A1914 (the substitute bill) to confirm final language and any additional requirements (timelines, reporting, membership, or criteria).
  • If desired, I can obtain and summarize A1914, or retrieve the full legislative text of S.4722A (the amended Senate version) for a precise account of obligations, timelines, and administrative details.

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

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