New York Assembly Bill A07657

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/4/25
• Refer: 4/4/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Provides that the "Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag" shall be the official state flag for the raising of awareness of veteran suicide; directs the commissioner of general services to establish a protocol for the flying of such flag.

Summary

This bill would designate the "Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag" as New York’s official state flag for raising awareness of veteran suicide. It also directs the commissioner of general services to establish a protocol governing when and how the flag may be flown. The measure is largely symbolic and commemorative in nature. It does not create a new benefits program, reporting requirement, or enforcement mechanism; instead, it adds a new section to state law recognizing a specific awareness flag and assigning an administrative role to the Department of General Services.

Impact

The bill would amend the state law by adding a new section establishing an official state flag related to veteran suicide awareness. Its practical legal effect would be to authorize and standardize the display of the Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag on state property or in state-related contexts according to a protocol set by the commissioner of general services. The bill would primarily affect state agencies responsible for flag display and any state institutions or events where the flag might be flown, while having little direct impact on private parties or substantive rights.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or recorded vote information is available, so there is no documented debate or formal indication of support or opposition in the provided materials. Based on the text alone, the bill appears to be framed as a memorial and awareness measure intended to honor veterans and draw attention to suicide prevention, which suggests a generally sympathetic purpose. Because it is symbolic and non-regulatory, it would likely be viewed as low-conflict compared with more substantive policy proposals.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is whether the state should create a new official flag designation for a specific cause, as some may view such recognitions as appropriate public acknowledgment while others may prefer to limit official state symbols. Another possible issue is the scope of the commissioner of general services’ authority to set the flying protocol, including where and when the flag may be displayed. No specific objections, sponsors’ remarks, or opposing viewpoints are included in the provided record.