Bill > A05088

This bill proposes to modify the description of New York State's official arms and flag by removing the Latin phrase "E pluribus unum" (which means "Out of many, one") from the state motto. Currently, the state motto appears on a scroll below the shield with two lines: the first line reads "Excelsior" (meaning "Ever Upward") and the second line reads "E pluribus unum". The bill would eliminate the second line, leaving only "Excelsior" on the scroll. The bill also specifies that existing arms of the state and state flags printed before the effective date do not need to be immediately removed or replaced. The change appears to be a technical amendment to the state law describing the official heraldic design of New York's state arms and flag, simplifying the motto to a single line while maintaining the core design and symbolism of the state's heraldic imagery.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5088