What's happening
This bill requires New York flags to be flown at half-staff for state residents in the armed forces killed in action.
Why it matters
Creates a uniform state response. By requiring the Governor and all local agencies to order flags at half-staff for any New York resident in the armed forces killed in action, the bill ensures consistent statewide recognition, rather than leaving the decision to local discretion.
Publicly honors local military sacrifice. This measure visibly acknowledges the service and sacrifice of New Yorkers in the military, fostering a sense of collective mourning and respect that extends beyond the individual’s immediate community.
May increase public awareness of military casualties. Statewide flag-lowering is a highly visible act that can prompt wider public notice and reflection each time a New York service member is lost, potentially deepening public understanding of the costs of military service.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Lower Flags for Fallen Soldiers
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to governmental operations
- Delivered to assembly
- Passed senateVote 59–0
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.1349
- Referred to finance
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Honor Fallen NY Service Members
In Assembly Committee · Governmental Operations · Sponsor Michael Cusick
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
8230
IN SENATE
April 20, 2018
Introduced by Sen. LANZA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Finance
AN ACT to amend the executive law, in relation to authorizing the flag to be flown at half-staff to commemorate the death of certain members of the armed forces
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 21 of section 403 of the executive law, as amended by chapter 666 of the laws of 2004, is amended to read as follows:
21. The flag shall be flown at full staff at all times except it shall be flown at half-staff on the eleventh of September, known as September 11th Remembrance Day, the seventh day of December, known as Pearl Harbor Day, and to commemorate the death of a personage of national or state standing or of a local serviceman, official or public servant who, in the opinion of the local agency concerned, contributed to the community. It may also be flown at half-staff during special periods of mourning designated by the President of the United States or the Governor of this state. The Governor and all local agencies of this state shall order flags to be flown at half-staff to commemorate the death of any member of the armed forces of the United States who was a resident of the state and was killed in the course of action.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13697-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to authorizing the flag to be flown at half-staff to commemorate the death of certain members of the armed forces
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill directs that the flag be flown at half-staff to commemorate the death of members of the United States armed forces who were killed in action.
Summary of provisions
Section 1. Subdivision 21 of section 403 of the executive law is amended to direct the Governor and all local agencies of New York State to order flags to be flown at half-staff upon the death of any member of the armed forces of who was a resident of the state and was killed in action.
Section 2. Provides for an immediate effective date.
Justification
Currently the executive law provides for the flag to be flown at half- staff on September 11, known as September 11th Remembrance Day, December 7th, known as Pearl Harbor Day and to commemorate the death of a person of national or state standing or of a local serviceman, official or public servant who, in the opinion of the local agency concerned, contributed to the community. This legislation seeks to ensure that the flag is flown at half-staff upon the death of every member of the armed forces who was a resident of New York State and who was killed in action.
Our country has a long-standing tradition of lowering the flag to half- staff to recognize the passing of certain citizens. It is only fitting that we respectfully honor the memory of all of our New York fallen heroes who are killed in action. Out of respect to mourning families and friends of our deceased heroes, it is the intent of this bill to recog- nize every member of the armed forces who is a resident of our state and who has been killed in action. There is no greater sacrifice an individ- ual can make than to give his or her life for this nation. We proudly remember these men and women who have paid the ultimate price in service of America at such a solemn time.
Prior legislative history
New bill.
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.