Bill > S05269

This bill authorizes the state of New York and its municipalities to establish permanent COVID-19 memorials through a community-driven process that prioritizes input from those most impacted by the pandemic, such as families of COVID-19 victims. The bill creates a new COVID-19 Permanent Memorial Fund to be jointly managed by the state comptroller and the commissioner of parks, recreation, and historic preservation. The fund will be supported by appropriations, grants, gifts, and other sources, and its moneys can only be used to establish and maintain COVID-19 memorials. Municipalities can apply for funding through a grant program that will be developed by the comptroller in collaboration with the office of parks, recreation, and historic preservation. The memorial design and location process will involve municipal parks departments and will be overseen by the office of parks, recreation, and historic preservation, with financial oversight from the comptroller's office. The bill aims to create meaningful and community-supported memorials that honor those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5269