Bill > A02087

This bill establishes the Veterans' Memorials Preservation Act, which provides comprehensive protections for memorials honoring military veterans across New York state. The legislation broadly defines a "memorial" as any park, monument, structure, artwork, plaque, or other commemorative item dedicated to veterans of U.S. armed forces, state military, or the New York National Guard, and applies to memorials created or gifted to any public entity like state, city, town, village, school district, or public authority. The bill mandates that these memorials must be preserved, maintained in a reasonable condition, and remain open to the public, with only very limited exceptions for necessary alterations or access restrictions. Public entities are prohibited from altering, destroying, moving, or significantly changing these memorials except when such actions are reasonably necessary, ensuring that these important historical and commemorative sites are protected and accessible to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans. The act takes effect immediately upon passage, providing immediate legal protection for veterans' memorials across New York.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2087