Senate Bill S6184

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S6184

SPONSOR: LANZA
 
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:

2020: S.3285 - Referred to Finance / A.7142 Referred to Government

2019: S.3285 - Referred to Finance / A.7142 Referred to Government

2018: S.8230 - Passed Senate/A.8771 - Referred to Governmental Oper-
ations

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately