New York Assembly Bill K00620

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/28/25
• Refer: 5/28/25
• Passed: 5/29/25

Caption

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 5-11, 2025, as Banned Books Week in the State of New York

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 620 is a nonbinding memorializing resolution that asks Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 5-11, 2025, as Banned Books Week in New York State. The resolution frames Banned Books Week as an annual awareness campaign promoting the freedom to read, drawing attention to books that have been banned or challenged, and highlighting the importance of access to a wide range of viewpoints and ideas. The measure cites the American Library Association, Amnesty International, and PEN America to emphasize concerns about book bans and challenges, including a reported increase in banned books during the 2022-2023 school year. It specifically notes that many challenged books address race, racism, and LGBTQ characters, and ties the observance to First Amendment values and freedom of expression. The resolution also references related events such as the Virtual Read-Out and the First Amendment Film Festival.

Impact

Because this is a memorializing resolution, it does not change state law, create new rights, or impose obligations on agencies, schools, libraries, or private parties. Its practical effect is symbolic: it urges the Governor to issue a proclamation recognizing Banned Books Week and publicly endorses the principles of free expression and access to literature. Any impact on state policy would be indirect, through public awareness and political messaging rather than statutory amendment.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment in the bill text is strongly supportive of free speech, intellectual freedom, and access to books. The resolution presents Banned Books Week as a positive observance and uses emphatic language about the importance of preserving controversial and non-controversial works alike. No committee discussion or recorded votes were provided, so there is no additional evidence of opposition or bipartisan debate in the available record.

Contention

The main point of contention reflected in the resolution is the broader issue of book banning and book challenges, especially where materials involve race, racism, or LGBTQ themes. The resolution itself takes a clear position against restricting access to such books, but the provided materials do not include any formal objections, amendments, or vote splits. As a result, any controversy is implied by the subject matter rather than documented in the legislative history supplied here.