Prohibits the naming of state buildings after a public officer during the period in which that person is a public officer or after a public officer who has been convicted of a felony.
The enactment of S08145 would significantly alter existing practices around how public buildings are named, establishing new guidelines that align the state's naming policies with ethical considerations. The bill dictates that any public facility (i.e., buildings owned by the state or its subdivisions) cannot honor a public officer during their term, thus pushing for a separation between individuals' political careers and the permanence of public honors. The law also mandates the immediate removal of a name from a facility if that person has been convicted of a felony, reinforcing accountability among elected and appointed officials.
S08145, also known as the 'Prohibiting Elevation of Notorious Names (PENN) Act', seeks to amend the executive law concerning the naming of public facilities in the state of New York. The bill specifically prohibits the naming of state buildings after individuals currently serving as public officers or after those who have been convicted of a felony. This initiative reflects a broader recognition of the potential for public institutions to embody values that align with the community's expectations around integrity and ethics in government.
While the proponents of the bill advocate for a more ethical approach to the naming of public facilities, critics may raise concerns that this law could limit avenues for honoring figures who, despite present controversies, have made positive contributions to their communities. Discussions around the bill will likely center on the definitions of 'notorious' and the processes involved in determining the appropriateness of naming individuals posthumously, especially those who may have had complicated legacies.
Additionally, the bill allows that buildings named after individuals who were not public officers at the time can continue to retain those names even if they later occupy such a position, providing a measure of flexibility. However, it mandates a review and potential removal of names from facilities of officials who have since been found guilty of felonies, raising questions about the criteria and process for name alterations that align with community values and expectations.