Relates to establishing a temporary commission for the purposes of celebrating the 100th anniversary of World War I

Title of bill

An act to create a temporary New York State World War I 100th anniversary commemoration commission; and providing for the termination of such commission

Purpose or general idea of bill

To establish a New York State World War I 100th anniversary commemoration commission to promote the 100th anniversary of World War I which will take place between the years 2014 to 2018.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1: Legislative findings that the creation of a commemoration commissions is necessary to coordinate and facilitate such an event.

Section 2: Creates the commission.

Defines the "commission" as the New York State World War I 100th anniversary commemorative commission.

Tasks: The commission is charged with planning, developing, end executing programs and projects to commemorate the 100th anniversary of WWI and the role of New York and New Yorkers in it, as well as encouraging private organizations to participate in activities commemorating WWI.

Membership: The will consist of 11 members. One member will be the commissioner of the department of parks, recreation and historic preservation (or their assigned representative);the commissioner of the department of education (or their assigned representative); the commissioner of the department of economic development (or their assigned representative); two people appointed by the governor; two people appointed by the temporary president of the senate; two people appointed by the speaker of the assembly; one person appointed by the senate minority leader; and one person appointed by the assembly minority leader. Members of the commission won't be compensated for their service.

Action Plan: The commission shall present to the Governor and Legislature an action plan to achieve the commission's tasks by June 30, 2017. The commission may update the plan, once presented, as necessary.

Termination: The commission shall terminate on November 12, 2018.

Section 3: Effective date

Justification

The 100th anniversary of World War I is an important milestone for our state and nation. The commemoration of this milestone is a time to reflect on and celebrate the brave men and women who lost their lives fighting for the American ideals of democracy. The commission this bill would establish will allow New York to organize commemorative events, educate our schoolchildren, and encourage tourism from around the country and the world.

Prior legislative history

None

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

Immediately.