Designates September 11th as a public holiday to be known as September 11th Memorial and Remembrance Day.
Summary
This bill amends New York’s General Construction Law to add September 11th to the list of state public holidays. The new holiday would be called “September 11th Memorial and Remembrance Day,” placing it alongside existing statewide holidays such as Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Veterans’ Day, and Christmas Day. The bill states that it would take effect immediately.
By designating September 11th as a public holiday, the measure would formally recognize the date in state law and could affect how public offices, schools, courts, and other institutions observe the day under laws that reference the state’s public holiday list. The bill does not itself create a separate observance program or funding mechanism; its legal effect is primarily to amend the statutory definition of public holidays in the General Construction Law.
Impact
The bill would amend section 24 of the General Construction Law, which defines New York’s public holidays and half-holidays. Adding September 11th as a public holiday would expand the statutory holiday calendar and could influence state and local scheduling, closures, and any laws or policies that depend on the definition of a public holiday. It would also formally codify the memorial and remembrance designation in state law.
Sentiment
The available materials show a straightforward commemorative measure with no recorded committee debate or vote history. Based on the bill text and caption, the intent appears respectful and memorializing rather than policy-driven, suggesting generally sympathetic treatment. Because there are no transcripts or votes, there is no documented opposition or support beyond the introduction of the bill itself.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of debate, if any arise, would likely concern the practical effects of adding another public holiday—such as impacts on government operations, schools, and employers—or whether a memorial observance should be established as a full public holiday rather than a commemorative day. However, the record provided does not identify any legislators, agencies, or stakeholders taking a position.