New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00212

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Establishes the veterans' memorials preservation act.

Summary

The Veterans' Memorials Preservation Act (S00212) aims to protect and maintain memorials dedicated to veterans of wars, conflicts, or police actions involving the U.S. armed forces. The bill defines a 'memorial' broadly to include parks, monuments, plaques, and other structures that honor veterans. It establishes that public entities, which include various levels of government, are responsible for preserving these memorials and ensuring they remain accessible to the public, with limited exceptions for necessary alterations or maintenance.

Impact

This legislation will reinforce the legal framework surrounding the preservation of veterans' memorials in New York State. It mandates that public entities cannot alter or destroy these memorials without justification, thereby enhancing the protection of such sites. This act will likely lead to increased accountability for local governments regarding the maintenance and accessibility of memorials, potentially affecting budgets and resources allocated for their upkeep.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the Veterans' Memorials Preservation Act appears to be largely supportive, reflecting a general consensus on the importance of honoring veterans. However, there may be concerns regarding the implications of the restrictions on alterations and maintenance, particularly from public entities that manage these memorials.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from public entities that feel constrained by the bill's restrictions on altering or moving memorials. Some may argue that the ability to modify memorials is necessary for maintenance or modernization purposes, while proponents of the bill emphasize the importance of preserving the integrity of these sites as they currently exist.

Companion Bills

NY A02087

Same As Establishes the veterans' memorials preservation act.

Previously Filed As

NY A02087

Establishes the veterans' memorials preservation act.

NY SB1429

War veterans; protection for memorials.

NY HB1884

Protection of memorials for war veterans.

NY SB6

Alabama Memorial Preservation Act of 2017, memorial marker required, penalties revised

NY K00765

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 2-8, 2025, as Veterans Awareness Week in the State of New York

NY SB344

Alabama Memorial Preservation Act, memorializing marker required under certain circumstances, failure of committee to act results in denial of waiver, fine revised, and duties of Attorney General specified

NY A02022

Authorizes the town of Chester to establish community preservation funds; establishes a real estate transfer tax with revenues therefrom to be deposited in said community preservation fund.

NY S00277

Authorizes the town of Chester to establish community preservation funds; establishes a real estate transfer tax with revenues therefrom to be deposited in said community preservation fund.

NY H703

Memorials in Veterans Cemeteries

NY K01092

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 29, 2026, as Vietnam Veterans Day in the State of New York

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.