New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00143

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Prohibits the name of municipalities and subdivisions thereof to include the word swastika.

Summary

Bill A00143 seeks to amend the general municipal law in New York by prohibiting any municipal corporation or its subdivisions from having names that include the word 'swastika'. It mandates that any existing municipal names containing this term must be changed by the governing body of the municipality. The bill aims to address the sensitivity and historical implications associated with the swastika, which is widely recognized as a symbol of hate and intolerance due to its association with Nazi Germany and anti-Semitic ideologies.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would directly affect any municipalities or subdivisions in New York that currently have names containing the word 'swastika'. It would require these entities to undertake a name change, which could involve administrative processes and potential costs associated with rebranding. The law would also serve as a precedent for future legislation regarding the naming of public entities, reinforcing a stance against hate symbols in public nomenclature.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A00143 appears to be largely supportive, as it addresses a significant issue of public sensitivity and historical context. Discussions around the bill may reflect a consensus on the need to eliminate symbols associated with hate from public life, although specific committee discussions and voting history are not available to provide further insight into dissenting opinions.

Contention

While the bill seems to have broad support, potential points of contention could arise from municipalities that may have historical or cultural ties to the name in question. Some local representatives might argue about the implications of changing established names, raising concerns about community identity and heritage. However, no specific opposition has been documented in the available context.

Companion Bills

NY S03936

Same As Prohibits the name of municipalities and subdivisions thereof to include the word swastika.

Previously Filed As

NY A00205

Prohibits the name of municipalities and subdivisions thereof to include the word swastika.

NY S03345

Prohibits the name of municipalities and subdivisions thereof to include the word swastika.

NY S03936

Prohibits the name of municipalities and subdivisions thereof to include the word swastika.

NY HB2343

Placing swastika on certain property with intent to intimidate; penalty.

NY A08529

Replaces instances of the words or variations of the words American Indian with the words Indigenous peoples or a variation thereof.

NY H8007

Provides that minor subdivisions include single family infill subdivisions and establishes procedures for single family infill subdivisions within the subdivision of land chapter of the general laws.

NY S3299

Provides that minor subdivisions include single family infill subdivisions and establishes procedures for single family infill subdivisions within the subdivision of land chapter of the general laws.

NY HB1417

enabling municipalities, cities, and towns to adopt a land value tax system and making an appropriation therefor.

NY A08742

Relates to the use of assumed and corporate names by companies in the business of household goods moving; provides that companies may not use the words "mover", "moving", or "relocation service" or any abbreviation or derivative thereof unless approved by the commissioner of transportation.

NY S09319

Relates to the use of assumed and corporate names by companies in the business of household goods moving; provides that companies may not use the words "mover", "moving", or "relocation service" or any abbreviation or derivative thereof unless approved by the commissioner of transportation.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.