What's happening
This bill makes January 6th, Three King's Day, a public school holiday in New York City school districts.
Why it matters
Recognizes cultural diversity. The bill formally acknowledges Three King's Day, an important holiday in many Latino and Christian traditions, reflecting New York City's cultural makeup and promoting inclusivity in the school calendar.
Affects only the largest school district. The holiday would apply exclusively to New York City public schools (districts with over one million residents), so its direct impact is limited to the largest and most diverse urban school population in the state.
Protects state funding for schools. By directing that Three King's Day be counted as a session day for state aid calculations, the bill ensures that schools do not lose funding or have to extend the school year due to observing this new holiday.
Sets a precedent for other cultural observances. If enacted, this legislation could pave the way for recognition of additional cultural or religious holidays in other school districts, potentially influencing future education policy in New York and beyond.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Make Three King's Day Holiday
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 29
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to new york city education
- Committee discharged and committed to rules
- Committee discharged and committed to new york city education
- Referred to education
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.
Make Three Kings Day Holiday
In Assembly Committee · Education · Sponsor Robert J. Rodriguez
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
184
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE (Prefiled)
January 9, 2019
Introduced by Sen. SERRANO -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to establishing Three King's day as a school holiday
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 3204-a to read as follows:
§ 3204-a. Three King's day school holiday. 1. The sixth day of January, commonly known as Three King's day, is hereby made and declared to be a holiday for all public schools in a qualified school district.
2. A qualified school district, for purposes of this section, shall mean a city school district of a city having a population of one million or more inhabitants.
3. The school authorities of a qualified school district are hereby authorized and directed to cause all public schools within such district to be closed on Three King's day.
§ 2. Section 3604 of the education law is amended by adding a new subdivision 7-c to read as follows:
7-c. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for purposes of any calculation under subdivision seven or eight of this section, the commissioner shall disregard any reduction resulting from observance of Three King's day and, if necessary, such observed holiday shall be calculated as a session day.
§ 3. This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made on or before such date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03962-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing Three King's day as a school holiday
Purpose or general idea of bill
To declare Three Kings Day to be a holiday for all public schools in New York City
Summary of specific provisions
-The sixth of January is made and declared to be a holiday for all public schools in a qualified school district
-A qualified school district shall be in a city having a population of one million or more inhabitants
-School in a qualified school district are authorized to close on Three Kings day
Justification
Three Kings day is celebrated on January sixth, twelve days after Christmas. It is a significant religious holiday celebrated throughout Latin America and Spain, along with the Hispanic communities of the United States. Three Kings Day is a Christian feast that celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. For many cultures, Three Kings Day is one of the most important holidays of the year. Cele- brations are held throughout New York City and are hosted by various organizations. The East Harlem community hosts one of the biggest parades in the city with more than five thousand people in attendance. While Three Kings Day is celebrated by many people throughout New York City, public schools do not close for that day. Other states such as Connecticut have closed their schools in New Haven and Hartford in observance of Three Kings day.
This legislation will ensure that children will be able to celebrate the holiday with their families. Considering the importance of this reli- gious holiday along with the large amount of people who celebrate it, public schools should be closed for the observance of this special holi- day.
Prior legislative history
2017-2018: S3929-Referred to Education
Fiscal implications
None to the state
Effective date
This act shall take effect 120 days after it shall have become a law
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.