Establishes a civilian medal of valor for conspicuous and unselfish acts of valor, heroism or courage in assisting any other person

BILL NUMBER:S2979

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to creating and authorizing the presentation of the "civilian medal of valor"; and to amend the state finance law, in relation to establishing the "civilian medal of valor fund"

Purpose

This bill would establish a civilian medal of valor for conspicuous and unselfish acts of valor, heroism or courage in assisting any other person.

Summary of provisions

This bill amends the Executive Law by adding a new Section 10 and amends the State Finance Law by adding a new Section 89-i.

Justification

The laws of our state and country already provide for various awards, medals, and decorations for military personnel who in the service of our country, or in the service of the organized militia of this state have displayed conspicuous acts of valor, heroism, courage or gallantry, either in their military capacities or in a civilian capacity. These medals, decorations and honors include a conspicuous service cross that is presented in the name of the Legislature of the State by our Governor. The events of September 11th brought about untold numbers of heroic acts and deeds by so many of the public servants of our state, including firefighters and police officers of the City of New York as well as ordinary citizens who risked their lives and personal safety to aid and assist others during these events and the carnage and destruction that immediately followed. In the months and years ahead, we, as citizens, are likely to encounter other and further acts of terrorism that will affect our safety and well being. Events such as the September 11th terrorist attacks brought out the true nature of the citizens of our great state. In a time of extreme crisis and need, hundreds and thousands of our fellow New Yorkers risked life, limb and safety to assist others in similar need and distress. Countless others toiled tirelessly in food banks, blood banks and charitable organizations throughout all of New York. It is the intent of this piece of legislation to honor the "ordinary citizens" of New York that perform unselfish, courageous acts of gallantry that are worthy of special recognition and honor by the State Legislature, the Governor and all of the citizens of New York.

The Civilian Medal of Valor shall be awarded, in the name of the grateful residents of New York, to the residents of our state that have displayed a conspicuous act of heroism or courage. While no action on our part can repay these civilian heroes for their selfless acts of courage and heroism, it is appropriate to create, pursuant to the terms of this act, the Civilian Medal of Valor to recognize these individuals.

Legislative history

S.6174/A.9669 of 2002 Ordered to Third Reading S.503/A.3738 of 2003-2004 Referred to Finance S.209A/A.9997 of 2005-2006 Passed Senate S.252 of 2007/2008; Passed Senate S.1402/A.6616 of 2009/2010; Referred to Finance S.226/A.5979 of 2011/2012; Referred to Finance S.1067/A.2348 of 2013/2014 Referred to Finance

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

Immediately.