BILL NUMBER: S1116
SPONSOR: GOUNARDES
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to designating April
twentieth as a day of commemoration to be known as "New York State
Constitution Day"
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To designate April Twentieth as a day of commemoration to be known as
"New York State Constitution Day" in the State of New York.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends Subdivision 3 of Section 168-a of the Executive Law,
as amended by Chapter 542 of the Laws of 2024, to include the twentieth
day of April, designated "New York State Constitution Day"
Section 2: Sets the effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
On April 20, 1777 in Kingston, a Convention of Representatives of the
State of New York adopted the first New York Constitution, declaring
independence from the Kingdom of England and creating a democratic and
free independent State of New York. The Constitution replaced the Colo-
nial Charter-which was under authority from the Monarch of the Kingdom
of England-thereby creating the State's government and defining the
rights and privileges afforded to its citizens.
The Convention first set out to achieve this goal on July 10, 1776 in
White Plains. However, the Convention was forced into repeated adjourn-
ments and changes of location due to the British Army invasion of Staten
Island and the continual threat of a British occupation. Despite the
ongoing war, the Convention successfully adopted the Constitution less
than a year later.
In the ensuing 244 years, New York State has adopted five Constitutions,
and many additional Amendments, to reflect the ever changing and evolv-
ing societal standards of decency. Each revision has redefined the role
of government and created a more expansive and inclusive understanding
of the rights and privileges protected by the Constitution, as well as
to whom such rights and privileges are afforded.
The importance of the New York State Constitution to our citizens and
residents cannot be understated. Thus, it is the duty of the State to
pause to acknowledge, reflect, and educate its citizens about this vital
document.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S280 - Passed Senate, died in Assembly
2023: S280 - Passed Senate, died in Assembly
2022: S6193A - Passed Senate, died in Assembly
2021: S6193A - Passed Senate, died in Assembly
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S1116: 168-a executive law, 168-a(3) executive law