New York Assembly Bill A04932

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/25
• Refer: 2/10/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Establishes January 30th of each year as a day of commemoration known as "Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution".

Summary

This bill amends New York’s Executive Law to add January 30th to the state’s list of annual days of commemoration, designating it as “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution.” The bill does not create a new holiday or require a day off; rather, it formally recognizes Fred Korematsu’s legacy and places his commemoration alongside other state observances honoring civil rights leaders, historical events, veterans, and cultural heritage days. The purpose of the designation is to promote public awareness of civil liberties, constitutional rights, and the historical significance of Korematsu’s challenge to Japanese American internment during World War II. By adding this date to the existing statutory list, the bill expands the state’s commemorative calendar without changing the structure of government operations or public employment rules.

Impact

The bill would amend subdivision 3 of section 168-a of the Executive Law, which lists New York’s official days of commemoration. Its legal effect is limited to adding a new commemorative observance date; it does not mandate school closures, paid leave, or other operational requirements. The affected parties are primarily state agencies, schools, and public institutions that may choose to recognize the day, as well as communities and advocacy groups interested in civil rights, Japanese American history, and constitutional education.

Sentiment

The available record shows no committee transcript or vote data, so there is no documented debate or recorded opposition in the materials provided. Based on the bill’s subject matter and its placement among widely supported commemorative observances, the measure appears to be a symbolic recognition bill with a generally positive or neutral reception. The caption and text suggest a straightforward commemorative purpose rather than a controversial policy change.

Contention

No specific points of contention are shown in the provided context, and no votes or committee discussions are available to identify disagreements. If concerns were raised, they would most likely relate to the proliferation of state commemorative days or the symbolic nature of the designation, but none are documented here. The bill’s sponsor list and clean statutory amendment indicate a noncontroversial recognition measure.