BILL NUMBER: S333
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the state law, in relation to the description of the
arms of the state and the state flag
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this legislation is to restore the New York State coat of
arms and state flag to its original state.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends section 70 of the state law by removing the line 'E
pluribus unum. Nothing in this bill calls for the changing out of
currently existing flags and seals.
Section 2: Sets effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
With origins tracing back to the Revolutionary War, the New York State
coat of arms serves as a meaningful and historically significant emblem,
enshrining our State's rich heritage. For 138 years, this iconic symbol
remained unchanged, preserving its integrity and timeless significance.
However, in 2020, former Governor Andrew Cuomo enacted a modification to
the coat of arms through its inclusion in a budget bill, introducing a
secondary motto, "e pluribus unum," alongside the primary and longstand-
ing state motto, "Excelsior."
The principles of heraldry demands that the emblematic embodiment of our
state be perpetual. The addition of a second unofficial motto to the
historic state arms and flag devalues the motto of our state and the
symbol as a whole. This bill will restore our Great State's coat of arms
to its original and exceptional state.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate
2023: S5528, Advanced to Third Reading
2024: S5528, Advanced to Third Reading
Assembly
2023: A5839, Referred to Governmental Operations
2024: A5839, Referred to Governmental Operations
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately. All arms of the state and the
state flags printed prior to the effective date need not be removed or
replaced.

Statutes affected:
S333: 70 state law