New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A07956

Introduced
4/16/25  

Caption

Prohibits the sale and display of symbols of hate by state funded entities or at state funded events.

Impact

The proposed legislation seeks to curtail the presence of hate symbols in public spheres, particularly in state-funded projects and events, which could reshape cultural and educational narratives in New York. Supporters argue that this measure is crucial for promoting inclusivity and tolerance within state-funded initiatives. It aims to prevent state resources from being used to endorse or normalize hate speech, mirroring other laws that limit certain expressions of hate or violence. However, the bill also raises questions about the boundaries of free speech and could spark debates about censorship, especially regarding the display of historically significant symbols.

Summary

Assembly Bill A07956 introduces significant amendments to the state finance law, aimed at prohibiting state-funded entities and events from selling or displaying symbols of hate. The bill specifically identifies symbols associated with hate groups, such as white supremacy and neo-Nazi ideologies, as well as the Confederate Battle Flag, as examples of what constitutes 'symbols of hate'. Under this bill, these symbols may only be displayed in educational or historical contexts, such as in books, museums, or digital media that serve educational purposes. This adds a layer of regulation over how state funds can be utilized in relation to these divisive symbols.

Contention

Opposition to A07956 is likely to stem from concerns over the interpretation of what constitutes a 'symbol of hate' and the implications for free expression. Critics may argue that the legislation could lead to subjective enforcement, where the criteria for 'educational or historical purpose' may be contested. Others might contend that the bill infringes upon artistic and academic freedoms or that it might be ineffective in curbing hate altogether, as banning the display does not address the underlying societal issues. The bill’s passage could catalyze further discussions regarding the balance of protecting communities from hate while upholding constitutional rights.

Companion Bills

NY S07523

Same As Prohibits the sale and display of symbols of hate by state funded entities or at state funded events.

Previously Filed As

NY S07009

Prohibits hotels and homeless shelters from displacing vulnerable persons in favor of non-United States citizens or non-lawful permanent residents of the United States; establishes fines for violations of such prohibitions.

NY A00790

Relates to prohibitions on fur products; prohibits the manufacture, sale, display for sale, trade, giving, donating, or otherwise distributing of a fur product by any means in the state beginning twenty-four months after this act becomes a law.

NY S03279

Relates to prohibitions on fur products; prohibits the manufacture, sale, display for sale, trade, giving, donating, or otherwise distributing of a fur product by any means in the state beginning twenty-four months after this act becomes a law.

NY S04683

Relates to the commercial display of human remains; requires the department of health to implement a permit process for anyone displaying human remains for payment or other consideration; exempts remains more than 100 years old, consisting solely of human hair or teeth, part of the ordinary display at a funeral establishment or memorial, an object of religious veneration, consisting solely of bodies transported into and remaining in the state for display prior to the effective date of this section, in the possession of a museum facility or those remains represented by an entity that has displayed human remains in the state for at least three of the last ten years whether or not such display was in operation at the time of the effective date of this article.

NY A01757

Prohibits a property owner from enforcing or adopting a restriction that prohibits one or more religious items from being displayed or affixed on any entry door or entry doorframe of a dwelling.

NY S08834

Prohibits a property owner from enforcing or adopting a restriction that prohibits one or more religious items from being displayed or affixed on any entry door or entry doorframe of a dwelling.

NY A00124

Prohibits municipal officers or employees from displaying political advertisements on or within public buildings and various other locations.

NY S07050

Prohibits municipal officers or employees from displaying political advertisements on or within public buildings and various other locations.

NY A09572

Requires the display of certain labels and warnings on gas stoves sold, displayed for sale, or offered for sale at retail to a consumer in this state; authorizes the department of state to adopt regulations regarding the placement and format of such labels; provides for penalties; authorizes the attorney general to enforce such provisions.

NY S09105

Requires the display of certain labels and warnings on gas stoves sold, displayed for sale, or offered for sale at retail to a consumer in this state; authorizes the department of state to adopt regulations regarding the placement and format of such labels; provides for penalties; authorizes the attorney general to enforce such provisions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.