BILL NUMBER: S4152A
SPONSOR: SANDERS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to establishing September
twenty-second of each year as a day of commemoration known as "Veteran
Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day"
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to designate September 22-d as "Veteran
Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day."
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 - Amends Section 168-a (3) of the executive law to add Septem-
ber 22nd as "Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day."
Section 2 - Effective Date - Immediately.
 
EXISTING LAW:
Under the existing law there are a number of days designated to commem-
orate historical events, people, cultural or religious celebrations, and
patriotic causes.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs has previously reported
that on average 22 veterans a day commit suicide. The rate of suicide
among veterans was 1.4 times higher among male veterans and 1.8 times
higher among female veterans when compared to the general adult popu-
lation. In 2016 alone, 153 Veterans in New York committed suicide. This
legislation designates September 22nd as "Veteran Suicide Awareness and
Remembrance Day." On this day New Yorkers will be called to remember
that many of the wounds of war are unseen and persist long after the end
of a veteran's military service. This day will honor the fallen and
their families by bringing awareness to this issue and commemorating
their service to our country.
If you are a veteran or know a veteran in need of help you may contact
the Veteran Crisis line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days at
1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone or send a text message to
838255 to connect with a Veterans Affair responder.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2022 PASSED SENATE
2022 referred to governmental operations 2021 PASSED SENATE
2021 referred to governmental operations
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately

Statutes affected:
S4152: 168-a executive law, 168-a(3) executive law
S4152A: 168-a executive law, 168-a(3) executive law