S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  4742--A
 
                        2021-2022 Regular Sessions
 
                           I N  A S S E M B L Y
 
                             February 8, 2021
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  M.  of  A. WOERNER, ENGLEBRIGHT, OTIS, McMAHON, LUPARDO,
   ABINANTI -- read once and referred to the  Committee  on  Governmental
   Operations  --  reference  changed  to Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports
   Development -- committee discharged, bill amended,  ordered  reprinted
   as amended and recommitted to said committee

 AN  ACT to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in
   relation to establishing the "New  York  state  two  hundred  fiftieth
   commemoration  act";  to  amend  the state finance law, in relation to
   establishing the New York state  two  hundred  fiftieth  commemoration
   commission  fund; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon
   expiration thereof
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1. Short title. This act shall be known and cited as the "New
 York state two hundred fiftieth commemoration act".
   § 2. Legislative findings and intent. The legislature finds  that  New
 York played an immense role in the lead up to and execution of the Amer-
 ican  Revolution  during  the  period  of 1774-1783, and was the site of
 several important battles, skirmishes and other events that were  inter-
 nationally  significant during the Revolutionary era. The American Revo-
 lution itself was imperfect and many, including  women,  African  Ameri-
 cans,  and  Native Americans, did not benefit from its ideals of liberty
 and freedom. However, the struggle to fully realize the  ideals  of  the
 Revolution  has  continued  over the past 250 years as is evident in New
 York's leading role in such revolutionary civil rights movements as  the
 women's rights and abolitionist movements, the underground railroad, and
 the LGBTQ movement.
   The  legislature  further  finds that the Bicentennial of the American
 Revolution in 1976 drew international attention and attendance at events
 and sites across New York and the nation and had  a  lasting  impact  on
 historical  education and public history.  The legislature further finds
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
              

                                                            LBD01326-06-1

 A. 4742--A                          2
 
 that the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of  the  American  Revo-
 lution  should  also  be an occasion for recognition of New York's vital
 role in the Revolution itself as well as the ongoing struggle of  margi-
 nalized  groups  to  achieve  the ideals of the Revolution. This commem-
 oration should be statewide, involving  all  the  people  of  the  state
 through  imaginative  and innovative programs, grants, events, exhibits,
 new and expanded facilities, and marketing to engage the people  of  the
 nation and from all parts of the world.
   The legislature further finds that the 250th anniversary and the years
 proceeding it offers great opportunity to educate and inspire the people
 of the state to increase recognition and appreciation of New York's role
 in the American Revolution and subsequent civil rights struggles as well
 as  the complex nature of the state and nation's history with regards to
 the ideals of liberty and freedom.  Therefore, it is  the  intention  of
 the  legislature  to establish a commission for planning and development
 for the commemoration of the 250th anniversary  of  the  American  Revo-
 lution in New York state to take place in coordination with the national
 celebration.
   § 3. The parks, recreation and historic preservation law is amended by
 adding a new section 14.12 to read as follows:
   §  14.12 NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH COMMEMORATION COMMISSION.
 1. AS USED IN THIS SECTION, THE FOLLOWING TERMS SHALL MEAN AND INCLUDE:
   (A) "COMMISSION" MEANS THE NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH COMMEM-
 ORATION COMMISSION CREATED BY SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION.
   (B) "HERITAGE ORGANIZATION" MEANS A HISTORIC SITE, HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
 BATTLEFIELD,  HISTORIC  PARK,  HISTORY-BASED  MUSEUM,  FRIENDS   GROUPS,
 LIBRARY,  ARCHIVE,  ACADEMIC INSTITUTE, HISTORICAL ANNIVERSARY ORGANIZA-
 TION, HISTORICAL AWARENESS GROUP  OR  NATIVE  AMERICAN  CULTURAL  CENTER
 WHOSE  MISSION  IS  TO  PRESERVE  AND  PROMOTE  THE HISTORY OF A LOCALE,
 REGION, PEOPLE, OR THE ENTIRETY OF THE STATE.
   2. (A) THE OFFICE SHALL CREATE THE NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH
 COMMEMORATION COMMISSION. FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION  UNTIL
 DECEMBER  THIRTY-FIRST, TWO THOUSAND THIRTY-THREE, SUCH COMMISSION SHALL
 DEVELOP, PLAN, PROMOTE AND COORDINATE ACTIVITIES TO COMMEMORATE THE  TWO
 HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. SUCH ACTIVITIES
 SHALL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
   (I)  MAKING  HERITAGE  ORGANIZATIONS  THE FOCAL POINTS FOR THE COMMEM-
 ORATION;
   (II) COORDINATING FORUMS ACROSS THE  STATE  TO  SEEK  IDEAS  FROM  THE
 PUBLIC  ON  THE  COMMEMORATION  INCLUDING HOW NEW YORKERS, AMERICANS AND
 THOSE FROM OTHER COUNTRIES MAY CELEBRATE SUCH ANNIVERSARY;
   (III) COORDINATING WITH CIVIC, EDUCATIONAL AND HERITAGE  ORGANIZATIONS
 TO  DEVELOP PUBLIC INTEREST AND INVOLVEMENT IN THE PLANNING AND DEVELOP-
 MENT OF THE COMMEMORATION;
   (IV) PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING  EDUCATIONAL  OUTREACH  PROGRAMS  USING
 MEDIA  AND  TECHNOLOGY  INCLUDING  ELECTRONIC  COMMUNICATIONS TO ACHIEVE
 NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL IMPACT;
   (V) COORDINATING THE PLANNING OF COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS FOR  ALL  INTER-
 ESTED COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE;
   (VI)  INVITING  OTHER  INTERESTED STATES AND NATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN
 PROGRAMS AND EVENTS FOR THE COMMEMORATION;
   (VII) COORDINATING AND PROMOTING THE HOLDING OF MEETINGS, CONFERENCES,
 SEMINARS AND CONVENTIONS IN INTERESTED COMMUNITIES USING  SUCH  ANNIVER-
 SARY AS AN ATTRACTION AND THEME;

 A. 4742--A                          3
 
   (VIII)  COORDINATING AND PROMOTING THE HOLDING OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
 AND EDUCATIONAL EVENTS IN INTERESTED COMMUNITIES USING SUCH  ANNIVERSARY
 AS AN ATTRACTION AND THEME;
   (IX)  SEEKING FUNDING FROM PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS, FOUNDATIONS AND CORPO-
 RATIONS TO SUPPORT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, PRESERVATION  AND  CONSERVATION
 NEEDS ASSOCIATED WITH EVENTS AND SITES COMMEMORATING SUCH ANNIVERSARY;
   (X)  COORDINATING  AND  COOPERATING  WITH  STATE  ENTITIES AND TOURIST
 PROMOTION AGENCIES, AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE FIVE-A OF THE ECONOMIC  DEVEL-
 OPMENT LAW;
   (XI)  COORDINATING AND COOPERATING WITH LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL ENTI-
 TIES INCLUDING THOSE RELATING TO HERITAGE AREA PROMOTION AND ANY FEDERAL
 COMMISSION CREATED TO PARTICIPATE IN PLANNING AND  DEVELOPMENT  OF  SUCH
 ANNIVERSARY OBSERVANCE; AND
   (XII) SETTING GOALS AND BENCHMARKS FOR THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION.
   (B)  THE  COMMISSION  SHALL  COORDINATE AND CONSULT WITH THE  NEW YORK
 STATE MILITARY MUSEUM AND VETERANS RESEARCH  CENTER,  SARATOGA  NATIONAL
 HISTORICAL    PARK, CHAMPLAIN VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE PARTNERSHIP, ERIE
 CANALWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR, MAURICE  D.  HINCHEY  HUDSON  RIVER
 VALLEY  NATIONAL  HERITAGE  AREA,  NIAGARA FALLS NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA,
 HUMANITIES NEW YORK, ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC HISTORIAN OF NEW YORK  STATE,
 THE  PRESERVATION LEAGUE OF NEW YORK STATE, NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS,
 NATIONAL HISTORIC  LANDMARK  STEWARDSHIP  ORGANIZATIONS  AND  ANY  OTHER
 ORGANIZATIONS IT DEEMS NECESSARY IN THE DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING, PROMOTION
 AND  COORDINATION  OF ACTIVITIES TO COMMEMORATE THE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH
 ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
   (C) THE COMMISSION SHALL CONSIST OF TWENTY-TWO VOTING  MEMBERS  TO  BE
 APPOINTED AS FOLLOWS:
   (I) THE COMMISSIONER OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE;
   (II)  THE  COMMISSIONER  OF  THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OR HIS OR HER
 DESIGNEE;
   (III) THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF EMPIRE STATE DEVEL-
 OPMENT OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE;
   (IV) A DESIGNEE FROM EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:  THE  CAYUGA  NATION,  THE
 ONEIDA INDIAN NATION, THE ONONDAGA INDIAN NATION, THE SAINT REGIS MOHAWK
 TRIBE,  THE  SENECA NATION OF INDIANS, THE SHINNECOCK INDIAN NATION, THE
 STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE COMMUNITY BAND OF MOHICAN INDIANS, THE TONAWANDA BAND
 OF SENECA, AND THE TUSCARORA NATION;
   (V) THREE MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED  BY  THE  GOVERNOR,  TWO  MEMBERS
 SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, TWO MEMBERS
 SHALL  BE  APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, ONE MEMBER SHALL BE
 APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE AND ONE MEMBER  SHALL  BE
 APPOINTED  BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY, TO THE EXTENT PRACTI-
 CABLE, THESE APPOINTMENTS SHALL INCLUDE A REPRESENTATIVE  FROM  EACH  OF
 THE TEN REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS; AND
   (VI) THE NEW YORK STATE HISTORIAN.
   (D)  TO  THE  EXTENT PRACTICABLE, SUCH APPOINTEES SHALL HAVE A PROFES-
 SIONAL BACKGROUND IN ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING FIELDS: LOCAL  GOVERN-
 MENT  HISTORIAN, ACADEMIC HISTORIAN, MUSEUM PROFESSIONAL, SOCIAL STUDIES
 TEACHER OR PROFESSOR, TOURISM  PROFESSIONAL,  ARCHEOLOGIST,  ANTHROPOLO-
 GIST,  OR  OTHER EXPERTISE IN THE FIELD OF NEW YORK STATE HISTORY AND/OR
 HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
   (E) THE COMMISSIONER AND THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF  EDUCA-
 TION  SHALL  BE  CO-CHAIRPERSONS  OF  THE  COMMISSION.  VACANCIES IN THE
 MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE FILLED IN THE SAME MANNER PROVIDED
 FOR ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS.

 A. 4742--A                          4

   (F) A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE  COMMISSION  SHALL  CONSTITUTE  A
 QUORUM.
   (G)  THE  MEMBERS  OF THE COMMISSION SHALL RECEIVE NO COMPENSATION FOR
 THEIR SERVICES BUT SHALL BE ALLOWED THEIR ACTUAL AND NECESSARY  EXPENSES
 INCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES.
   (H) THE COMMISSION SHALL HOLD A MEETING AT LEAST ONCE EACH QUARTER.
   3. THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE POWER:
   (A)  TO  PREPARE,  PUBLISH  AND  DISSEMINATE INFORMATION OR REPORTS TO
 HIGHLIGHT FOR STATE AGENCIES, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, AND THE GENERAL  PUBLIC
 ISSUES, PROBLEMS, AND OPPORTUNITIES RELEVANT TO THE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH
 ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION;
   (B) TO ASSIST LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND OTHER APPROPRIATE ORGANIZATIONS TO
 PLAN COMMEMORATIONS OF THE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMER-
 ICAN REVOLUTION, AND TO DO THIS, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THROUGH COOPERATION
 AND THROUGH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING PLANNING ASSISTANCE, CITIZEN
 EDUCATION AND PARTICIPATION ASSISTANCE, AND ASSISTANCE IN PREPARATION OF
 GRANT APPLICATIONS TO OTHER ENTITIES;
   (C)  TO APPLY FOR AND RECEIVE FUNDS FROM THE FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERN-
 MENT;
   (D) TO ACCEPT GIFTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FURTHERING  THE  OBJECTIVES  OF
 THE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION;
   (E) TO CONDUCT HISTORICAL, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL STUDIES;
   (F) TO CONDUCT EDUCATION PROGRAMS;
   (G)  TO  ASSIST  INDIVIDUALS, CORPORATIONS, HERITAGE ORGANIZATIONS AND
 OTHER PUBLIC ENTITIES ON  WAYS  TO  PROTECT  AND  PROMOTE  THE  HERITAGE
 RESOURCES OF THE STATE;
   (H) TO PREPARE AN ANNUAL REPORT ON THE CONDUCT OF ITS ACTIVITIES WHICH
 SHALL  BE  DELIVERED TO THE GOVERNOR, TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE,
 AND THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY BY JANUARY FIRST;
   (I) TO SERVE A COORDINATING ROLE  IN  UTILIZING  THE  CAPABILITIES  OF
 OTHER  ORGANIZATIONS TO CARRY OUT THE DUTIES PRESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION;
 AND
   (J) TO EXERCISE AND PERFORM SUCH OTHER POWERS AND DUTIES AS SHALL HAVE
 BEEN OR MAY BE CONFERRED BY LAW.
   4. (A) THE COMMISSION SHALL DEVELOP  A  STRATEGIC  PLAN,  WHICH  SHALL
 CONTAIN  PLANS FOR COMMEMORATING THE STATE'S ROLE IN THE FOUNDING OF THE
 NATION AND THE ENSUING TWO HUNDRED FIFTY YEARS OF HISTORY.
   (B) THE STRATEGIC PLAN SHALL BE CONSISTENT  WITH  THE  STATE  HISTORIC
 PRESERVATION  PLAN, THE ERIE CANALWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR PRESER-
 VATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN, THE CHAMPLAIN VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE PART-
 NERSHIP MANAGEMENT  PLAN,  THE  NIAGARA  FALLS  NATIONAL  HERITAGE  AREA
 MANAGEMENT  PLAN,  THE  HUDSON RIVER VALLEY GREENWAY STRATEGIC PLAN, AND
 THE HUDSON-HOOSIC RIVERS PARTNERSHIP STEWARDSHIP PLAN, AS SUCH PLANS ARE
 AMENDED.
   (C) SUCH STRATEGIC PLAN SHALL INCLUDE, BUT SHALL NOT BE LIMITED TO,  A
 SURVEY OR INVENTORY OF THE FOLLOWING, TOGETHER WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
 MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES THEREOF: (I) HISTORIC, CULTURAL AND OTHER HERITAGE
 RESOURCES; (II) SCENIC RESOURCES; AND (III) EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL
 RESOURCES.
   (D)  WITHIN  TWELVE  MONTHS  OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION THE
 COMMISSION SHALL VOTE TO FINALIZE SUCH PLANS. A COPY  OF  THE  STRATEGIC
 PLAN  SHALL  BE PROVIDED TO THE GOVERNOR, THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE
 SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY.
   (E) THE COMMISSION SHALL PROPOSE  AMENDMENTS  TO  THE  STRATEGIC  PLAN
 DESCRIBED  IN  THIS  SUBDIVISION  AS THEY ARE DEEMED TO BE NECESSARY AND
 APPROPRIATE.

 A. 4742--A                          5
 
   5. TO EFFECTUATE THE PURPOSES OF  THIS  SECTION,  THE  COMMISSION  MAY
 REQUEST  FROM  ANY DEPARTMENT, BOARD, BUREAU, COMMISSION OR OTHER AGENCY
 OF THE STATE, AND THE SAME ARE AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE,  SUCH  COOPERATION
 AND ASSISTANCE, SERVICES AND DATA AS WILL ENABLE THE COMMISSION TO PROP-
 ERLY CARRY OUT ITS FUNCTIONS PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.
   6. IN ADMINISTERING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, THE COMMISSION MAY
 MAKE, WITHIN THE LIMITATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS AVAILABLE THEREOF, GRANTS
 TO HERITAGE ORGANIZATIONS TOWARDS THE COSTS OF A PROJECT APPROVED AND TO
 BE UNDERTAKEN PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.
   §  4. The state finance law is amended by adding a new section 95-j to
 read as follows:
   § 95-J. THE NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH COMMEMORATION  COMMIS-
 SION  FUND.  1.  THERE IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED IN THE JOINT CUSTODY OF THE
 STATE COMPTROLLER AND THE COMMISSIONER OF TAXATION AND FINANCE A FUND TO
 BE KNOWN AS THE "NEW  YORK  STATE  TWO  HUNDRED  FIFTIETH  COMMEMORATION
 COMMISSION FUND".
   2.  MONEYS  IN  SUCH FUND SHALL CONSIST OF ALL MONEYS APPROPRIATED FOR
 THE PURPOSE OF SUCH FUND, DONATIONS TO THE NEW YORK  STATE  TWO  HUNDRED
 FIFTIETH COMMEMORATION COMMISSION CREATED BY SECTION 14.12 OF THE PARKS,
 RECREATION  AND  HISTORIC  PRESERVATION LAW AND ALL MONEYS APPROPRIATED,
 CREDITED OR TRANSFERRED THERETO FROM ANY OTHER FUND OR  SOURCE  PURSUANT
 TO  LAW. ANY INTEREST RECEIVED BY THE COMPTROLLER ON MONEY ON DEPOSIT IN
 THE FUND SHALL BE RETAINED IN AND BECOME PART OF THE FUND.
   3. MONEYS WITHIN SUCH FUND SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE  TO  THE  NEW  YORK
 STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH COMMEMORATION COMMISSION FOR PAYMENT OF COSTS
 AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
   (A) NO MORE THAN TEN PERCENT ANNUALLY FOR THE OPERATION AND ACTIVITIES
 OF SUCH COMMISSION;
   (B) NO LESS THAN FORTY-FIVE PERCENT ANNUALLY DIRECTED TO THE NEW  YORK
 STATE  MUSEUM  FOR  GRANTS TO MUNICIPALITIES AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT HERITAGE
 ORGANIZATIONS  FOR HISTORIC PROGRAMMING, PRESERVATION  AND NATURAL  AREA
 PROTECTION  AND  MANAGEMENT  RELATING  TO THE NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED
 FIFTIETH COMMEMORATIONS, AND OTHER HERITAGE  PROJECTS  LIKE  THE  UNDER-
 GROUND  RAILROAD,  WOMEN'S  SUFFRAGE,  AND  CIVIL  RIGHTS  SITES AS SUCH
 COMMISSION  SHALL IDENTIFY THROUGH ITS STRATEGIC  PLAN  AS DESCRIBED  IN
 PARAGRAPH  (C) OF SUBDIVISION FOUR OF SECTION 14.12 OF THE PARKS, RECRE-
 ATION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION LAW. THIS GRANT PROGRAM SHALL BE  ADMIN-
 ISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF STATE HISTORY; AND
   (C) NO LESS THAN FORTY-FIVE PERCENT ANNUALLY DIRECTED TO THE OFFICE OF
 PARKS, RECREATION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR
 THE  STATE'S  HISTORIC  SITES AND PROGRAMMING, PRESERVATION AND OUTREACH
 RELATING TO THE NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH COMMEMORATIONS.
   4. MONIES SHALL BE PAYABLE FROM THE FUND ON THE AUDIT AND  WARRANT  OF
 THE COMPTROLLER ON VOUCHERS APPROVED AND CERTIFIED BY SUCH COMMISSION.
   §  5.  This  act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be
 deemed repealed December 31, 2033.

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  4742--B
 
                        2021-2022 Regular Sessions
 
                           I N  A S S E M B L Y
 
                             February 8, 2021
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  M.  of  A. WOERNER, ENGLEBRIGHT, OTIS, McMAHON, LUPARDO,
   ABINANTI, JONES -- read once and referred to the Committee on  Govern-
   mental  Operations  --  reference  changed to Tourism, Parks, Arts and
   Sports Development --  committee  discharged,  bill  amended,  ordered
   reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee -- reported and
   referred  to  the Committee on Ways and Means -- committee discharged,
   bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended  and  recommitted  to  said
   committee
 
 AN  ACT to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in
   relation to establishing the "New  York  state  two  hundred  fiftieth
   commemoration  act";  to  amend  the state finance law, in relation to
   establishing the New York state  two  hundred  fiftieth  commemoration
   commission  fund; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon
   expiration thereof
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1. Short title. This act shall be known and cited as the "New
 York state two hundred fiftieth commemoration act".
   § 2. Legislative findings and intent. The legislature finds  that  New
 York played an immense role in the lead up to and execution of the Amer-
 ican  Revolution  during  the  period  of 1774-1783, and was the site of
 several important battles, skirmishes and other events that were  inter-
 nationally  significant during the Revolutionary era. The American Revo-
 lution itself was imperfect and many, including  women,  African  Ameri-
 cans,  and  Native Americans, did not benefit from its ideals of liberty
 and freedom. However, the struggle to fully realize the  ideals  of  the
 Revolution  has  continued  over the past 250 years as is evident in New
 York's leading role in such revolutionary civil rights movements as  the
 women's rights and abolitionist movements, the underground railroad, and
 the LGBTQ movement.
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD01326-11-1
              

 A. 4742--B                          2
 
   The  legislature  further  finds that the Bicentennial of the American
 Revolution in 1976 drew international attention and attendance at events
 and sites across New York and the nation and had  a  lasting  impact  on
 historical  education and public history.  The legislature further finds
 that  the  commemoration  of the 250th anniversary of the American Revo-
 lution should also be an occasion for recognition of  New  York's  vital
 role  in the Revolution itself as well as the ongoing struggle of margi-
 nalized groups to achieve the ideals of  the  Revolution.  This  commem-
 oration  should  be  statewide,  involving  all  the people of the state
 through imaginative and innovative programs, grants,  events,  exhibits,
 new  and  expanded facilities, and marketing to engage the people of the
 nation and from all parts of the world.
   The legislature further finds that the 250th anniversary and the years
 proceeding it offers great opportunity to educate and inspire the people
 of the state to increase recognition and appreciation of New York's role
 in the American Revolution and subsequent civil rights struggles as well
 as the complex nature of the state and nation's history with regards  to
 the  ideals  of  liberty and freedom.  Therefore, it is the intention of
 the legislature to establish a commission for planning  and  development
 for  the  commemoration  of  the 250th anniversary of the American Revo-
 lution in New York state to take place in coordination with the national
 celebration.
   § 3. The parks, recreation and historic preservation law is amended by
 adding a new section 14.12 to read as follows:
   § 14.12 NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH COMMEMORATION  COMMISSION.
 1. AS USED IN THIS SECTION, THE FOLLOWING TERMS SHALL MEAN AND INCLUDE:
   (A) "COMMISSION" MEANS THE NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH COMMEM-
 ORATION COMMISSION CREATED BY SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION.
   (B) "HERITAGE ORGANIZATION" MEANS A HISTORIC SITE, HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
 BATTLEFIELD,   HISTORIC  PARK,  HISTORY-BASED  MUSEUM,  FRIENDS  GROUPS,
 LIBRARY, ARCHIVE, ACADEMIC INSTITUTE, HISTORICAL  ANNIVERSARY  ORGANIZA-
 TION,  HISTORICAL  AWARENESS  GROUP  OR  NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER
 WHOSE MISSION IS TO PRESERVE  AND  PROMOTE  THE  HISTORY  OF  A  LOCALE,
 REGION, PEOPLE, OR THE ENTIRETY OF THE STATE.
   2. (A) THE OFFICE SHALL CREATE THE NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH
 COMMEMORATION  COMMISSION. FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION UNTIL
 DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST, TWO THOUSAND THIRTY-THREE, SUCH COMMISSION  SHALL
 DEVELOP,  PLAN, PROMOTE AND COORDINATE ACTIVITIES TO COMMEMORATE THE TWO
 HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. SUCH ACTIVITIES
 SHALL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
   (I) MAKING HERITAGE ORGANIZATIONS THE FOCAL  POINTS  FOR  THE  COMMEM-
 ORATION;
   (II)  COORDINATING  FORUMS  ACROSS  THE  STATE  TO SEEK IDEAS FROM THE
 PUBLIC ON THE COMMEMORATION INCLUDING HOW  NEW  YORKERS,  AMERICANS  AND
 THOSE FROM OTHER COUNTRIES MAY CELEBRATE SUCH ANNIVERSARY;
   (III)  COORDINATING WITH CIVIC, EDUCATIONAL AND HERITAGE ORGANIZATIONS
 TO DEVELOP PUBLIC INTEREST AND INVOLVEMENT IN THE PLANNING AND  DEVELOP-
 MENT OF THE COMMEMORATION;
   (IV)  PROMOTING  AND  ENCOURAGING  EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAMS USING
 MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY  INCLUDING  ELECTRONIC  COMMUNICATIONS  TO  ACHIEVE
 NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL IMPACT;
   (V)  COORDINATING  THE PLANNING OF COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS FOR ALL INTER-
 ESTED COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE;
   (VI) INVITING OTHER INTERESTED STATES AND NATIONS  TO  PARTICIPATE  IN
 PROGRAMS AND EVENTS FOR THE COMMEMORATION;

 A. 4742--B                          3
 
   (VII) COORDINATING AND PROMOTING THE HOLDING OF MEETINGS, CONFERENCES,
 SEMINARS  AND  CONVENTIONS IN INTERESTED COMMUNITIES USING SUCH ANNIVER-
 SARY AS AN ATTRACTION AND THEME;
   (VIII)  COORDINATING AND PROMOTING THE HOLDING OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
 AND EDUCATIONAL EVENTS IN INTERESTED COMMUNITIES USING SUCH  ANNIVERSARY
 AS AN ATTRACTION AND THEME;
   (IX)  SEEKING FUNDING FROM PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS, FOUNDATIONS AND CORPO-
 RATIONS TO SUPPORT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, PRESERVATION  AND  CONSERVATION
 NEEDS ASSOCIATED WITH EVENTS AND SITES COMMEMORATING SUCH ANNIVERSARY;
   (X)  COORDINATING  AND  COOPERATING  WITH  STATE  ENTITIES AND TOURIST
 PROMOTION AGENCIES, AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE FIVE-A OF THE ECONOMIC  DEVEL-
 OPMENT LAW;
   (XI)  COORDINATING AND COOPERATING WITH LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL ENTI-
 TIES INCLUDING THOSE RELATING TO HERITAGE AREA PROMOTION AND ANY FEDERAL
 COMMISSION CREATED TO PARTICIPATE IN PLANNING AND  DEVELOPMENT  OF  SUCH
 ANNIVERSARY OBSERVANCE; AND
   (XII) SETTING GOALS AND BENCHMARKS FOR THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION.
   (B)  THE  COMMISSION  SHALL  COORDINATE AND CONSULT WITH THE  NEW YORK
 STATE MILITARY MUSEUM AND VETERANS RESEARCH  CENTER,  SARATOGA  NATIONAL
 HISTORICAL    PARK, CHAMPLAIN VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE PARTNERSHIP, ERIE
 CANALWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR, MAURICE  D.  HINCHEY  HUDSON  RIVER
 VALLEY  NATIONAL  HERITAGE  AREA,  NIAGARA FALLS NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA,
 HUMANITIES NEW YORK, ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC HISTORIAN OF NEW YORK  STATE,
 THE  PRESERVATION LEAGUE OF NEW YORK STATE, NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS,
 NATIONAL HISTORIC  LANDMARK  STEWARDSHIP  ORGANIZATIONS  AND  ANY  OTHER
 ORGANIZATIONS IT DEEMS NECESSARY IN THE DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING, PROMOTION
 AND  COORDINATION  OF ACTIVITIES TO COMMEMORATE THE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH
 ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
   (C) THE   COMMISSION SHALL COORDINATE AND CONSULT  WITH  EACH  OF  THE
 FOLLOWING:    THE CAYUGA  NATION, THE ONEIDA INDIAN NATION, THE ONONDAGA
 INDIAN NATION, THE SAINT REGIS MOHAWK TRIBE, THE SENECA NATION OF  INDI-
 ANS, THE SHINNECOCK INDIAN NATION, THE STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE COMMUNITY BAND
 OF  MOHICAN  INDIANS,  THE  TONAWANDA  BAND OF SENECA, AND THE TUSCARORA
 NATION.
   (D) THE COMMISSION SHALL CONSIST OF  THIRTEEN  VOTING  MEMBERS  TO  BE
 APPOINTED AS FOLLOWS:
   (I) THE COMMISSIONER OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE;
   (II)  THE  COMMISSIONER  OF  THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OR HIS OR HER
 DESIGNEE;
   (III) THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF EMPIRE STATE DEVEL-
 OPMENT OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE;
   (IV) THREE MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY  THE  GOVERNOR,  TWO  MEMBERS
 SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, TWO MEMBERS
 SHALL  BE  APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, ONE MEMBER SHALL BE
 APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE AND ONE MEMBER  SHALL  BE
 APPOINTED  BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY, TO THE EXTENT PRACTI-
 CABLE, THESE APPOINTMENTS SHALL INCLUDE A REPRESENTATIVE  FROM  EACH  OF
 THE TEN REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS; AND
   (V) THE NEW YORK STATE HISTORIAN.
   (D)  TO  THE  EXTENT PRACTICABLE, SUCH APPOINTEES SHALL HAVE A PROFES-
 SIONAL BACKGROUND IN ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING FIELDS: LOCAL  GOVERN-
 MENT  HISTORIAN, ACADEMIC HISTORIAN, MUSEUM PROFESSIONAL, SOCIAL STUDIES
 TEACHER OR PROFESSOR, TOURISM  PROFESSIONAL,  ARCHEOLOGIST,  ANTHROPOLO-
 GIST,  OR  OTHER EXPERTISE IN THE FIELD OF NEW YORK STATE HISTORY AND/OR
 HISTORIC PRESERVATION.

 A. 4742--B                          4
 
   (E) THE COMMISSIONER AND THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF  EDUCA-
 TION  SHALL  BE  CO-CHAIRPERSONS  OF  THE  COMMISSION.  VACANCIES IN THE
 MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE FILLED IN THE SAME MANNER PROVIDED
 FOR ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS.
   (F)  A  MAJORITY  OF  THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION SHALL CONSTITUTE A
 QUORUM.
   (G) THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION SHALL RECEIVE  NO  COMPENSATION  FOR
 THEIR  SERVICES BUT SHALL BE ALLOWED THEIR ACTUAL AND NECESSARY EXPENSES
 INCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES.
   (H) THE COMMISSION SHALL HOLD A MEETING AT LEAST ONCE EACH QUARTER.
   3. THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE POWER:
   (A) TO PREPARE, PUBLISH AND  DISSEMINATE  INFORMATION  OR  REPORTS  TO
 HIGHLIGHT  FOR STATE AGENCIES, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC
 ISSUES, PROBLEMS, AND OPPORTUNITIES RELEVANT TO THE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH
 ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION;
   (B) TO ASSIST LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND OTHER APPROPRIATE ORGANIZATIONS TO
 PLAN COMMEMORATIONS OF THE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMER-
 ICAN REVOLUTION, AND TO DO THIS, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THROUGH COOPERATION
 AND THROUGH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING PLANNING ASSISTANCE, CITIZEN
 EDUCATION AND PARTICIPATION ASSISTANCE, AND ASSISTANCE IN PREPARATION OF
 GRANT APPLICATIONS TO OTHER ENTITIES;
   (C) TO APPLY FOR AND RECEIVE FUNDS FROM THE FEDERAL AND STATE  GOVERN-
 MENT;
   (D)  TO  ACCEPT  GIFTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FURTHERING THE OBJECTIVES OF
 THE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION;
   (E) TO CONDUCT HISTORICAL, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL STUDIES;
   (F) TO CONDUCT EDUCATION PROGRAMS;
   (G) TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS, CORPORATIONS,  HERITAGE  ORGANIZATIONS  AND
 OTHER  PUBLIC  ENTITIES  ON  WAYS  TO  PROTECT  AND PROMOTE THE HERITAGE
 RESOURCES OF THE STATE;
   (H) TO PREPARE AN ANNUAL REPORT ON THE CONDUCT OF ITS ACTIVITIES WHICH
 SHALL BE DELIVERED TO THE GOVERNOR, TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF  THE  SENATE,
 AND THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY BY JANUARY FIRST;
   (I)  TO  SERVE  A  COORDINATING  ROLE IN UTILIZING THE CAPABILITIES OF
 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS TO CARRY OUT THE DUTIES PRESCRIBED IN THIS  SECTION;
 AND
   (J) TO EXERCISE AND PERFORM SUCH OTHER POWERS AND DUTIES AS SHALL HAVE
 BEEN OR MAY BE CONFERRED BY LAW.
   4.  (A)  THE  COMMISSION  SHALL  DEVELOP A STRATEGIC PLAN, WHICH SHALL
 CONTAIN PLANS FOR COMMEMORATING THE STATE'S ROLE IN THE FOUNDING OF  THE
 NATION AND THE ENSUING TWO HUNDRED FIFTY YEARS OF HISTORY.
   (B)  THE  STRATEGIC  PLAN  SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE HISTORIC
 PRESERVATION PLAN, THE ERIE CANALWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR  PRESER-
 VATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN, THE CHAMPLAIN VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE PART-
 NERSHIP  MANAGEMENT  PLAN,  THE  NIAGARA  FALLS  NATIONAL  HERITAGE AREA
 MANAGEMENT PLAN, THE HUDSON RIVER VALLEY GREENWAY  STRATEGIC  PLAN,  AND
 THE HUDSON-HOOSIC RIVERS PARTNERSHIP STEWARDSHIP PLAN, AS SUCH PLANS ARE
 AMENDED.
   (C)  SUCH STRATEGIC PLAN SHALL INCLUDE, BUT SHALL NOT BE LIMITED TO, A
 SURVEY OR INVENTORY OF THE FOLLOWING, TOGETHER WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
 MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES THEREOF: (I) HISTORIC, CULTURAL AND OTHER HERITAGE
 RESOURCES; (II) SCENIC RESOURCES; AND (III) EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL
 RESOURCES.
   (D) WITHIN TWELVE MONTHS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE  OF  THIS  SECTION  THE
 COMMISSION  SHALL  VOTE  TO FINALIZE SUCH PLANS. A COPY OF THE STRATEGIC

 A. 4742--B                          5
 
 PLAN SHALL BE PROVIDED TO THE GOVERNOR, THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT  OF  THE
 SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY.
   (E)  THE  COMMISSION  SHALL  PROPOSE  AMENDMENTS TO THE STRATEGIC PLAN
 DESCRIBED IN THIS SUBDIVISION AS THEY ARE DEEMED  TO  BE  NECESSARY  AND
 APPROPRIATE.
   5.  TO  EFFECTUATE  THE  PURPOSES  OF THIS SECTION, THE COMMISSION MAY
 REQUEST FROM ANY DEPARTMENT, BOARD, BUREAU, COMMISSION OR  OTHER  AGENCY
 OF  THE  STATE, AND THE SAME ARE AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE, SUCH COOPERATION
 AND ASSISTANCE, SERVICES AND DATA AS WILL ENABLE THE COMMISSION TO PROP-
 ERLY CARRY OUT ITS FUNCTIONS PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.
   6. IN ADMINISTERING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, THE COMMISSION MAY
 MAKE, WITHIN THE LIMITATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS AVAILABLE THEREOF, GRANTS
 TO HERITAGE ORGANIZATIONS TOWARDS THE COSTS OF A PROJECT APPROVED AND TO
 BE UNDERTAKEN PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.
   § 4. The state finance law is amended by adding a new section 95-j  to
 read as follows:
   §  95-J. THE NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH COMMEMORATION COMMIS-
 SION FUND. 1. THERE IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED IN THE JOINT  CUSTODY  OF  THE
 STATE COMPTROLLER AND THE COMMISSIONER OF TAXATION AND FINANCE A FUND TO
 BE  KNOWN  AS  THE  "NEW  YORK  STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH COMMEMORATION
 COMMISSION FUND".
   2. MONEYS IN SUCH FUND SHALL CONSIST OF ALL  MONEYS  APPROPRIATED  FOR
 THE  PURPOSE  OF  SUCH FUND, DONATIONS TO THE NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED
 FIFTIETH COMMEMORATION COMMISSION CREATED BY SECTION 14.12 OF THE PARKS,
 RECREATION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION LAW AND  ALL  MONEYS  APPROPRIATED,
 CREDITED  OR  TRANSFERRED THERETO FROM ANY OTHER FUND OR SOURCE PURSUANT
 TO LAW. ANY INTEREST RECEIVED BY THE COMPTROLLER ON MONEY ON DEPOSIT  IN
 THE FUND SHALL BE RETAINED IN AND BECOME PART OF THE FUND.
   3.  MONEYS  WITHIN  SUCH  FUND SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE NEW YORK
 STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH COMMEMORATION COMMISSION FOR PAYMENT OF COSTS
 AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
   (A) NO MORE THAN TEN PERCENT ANNUALLY FOR THE OPERATION AND ACTIVITIES
 OF SUCH COMMISSION;
   (B) NO LESS THAN FORTY-FIVE PERCENT ANNUALLY DIRECTED TO THE NEW  YORK
 STATE  MUSEUM  FOR  GRANTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND  HERITAGE  ORGANIZA-
 TIONS  FOR  HISTORIC  PROGRAMMING,  PRESERVATION    AND  NATURAL    AREA
 PROTECTION  AND  MANAGEMENT  RELATING  TO THE NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED
 FIFTIETH COMMEMORATIONS, AND OTHER HERITAGE  PROJECTS  LIKE  THE  UNDER-
 GROUND  RAILROAD,  WOMEN'S  SUFFRAGE,  AND  CIVIL  RIGHTS  SITES AS SUCH
 COMMISSION  SHALL IDENTIFY THROUGH ITS STRATEGIC  PLAN  AS DESCRIBED  IN
 PARAGRAPH  (C) OF SUBDIVISION FOUR OF SECTION 14.12 OF THE PARKS, RECRE-
 ATION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION LAW. THIS GRANT PROGRAM SHALL BE  ADMIN-
 ISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF STATE HISTORY; AND
   (C) NO LESS THAN FORTY-FIVE PERCENT ANNUALLY DIRECTED TO THE OFFICE OF
 PARKS, RECREATION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR
 THE  STATE'S  HISTORIC  SITES AND PROGRAMMING, PRESERVATION AND OUTREACH
 RELATING TO THE NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH COMMEMORATIONS.
   4. MONIES SHALL BE PAYABLE FROM THE FUND ON THE AUDIT AND  WARRANT  OF
 THE COMPTROLLER ON VOUCHERS APPROVED AND CERTIFIED BY SUCH COMMISSION.
   §  5.  This  act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be
 deemed repealed December 31, 2033.