S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                   4410
 
                        2021-2022 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                             February 4, 2021
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sen.  MAYER  -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism,
   Parks and Recreation
 
 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
 that  the  commemoration  of the 250th anniversary of the American Revo-
 lution should also be an occasion for recognition of  New  York's  vital
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
              

                                                            LBD01326-03-1

 S. 4410                             2
 
 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) "COST" MEANS THE COST OF AN APPROVED PROJECT, WHICH SHALL  INCLUDE
 EDUCATION,  PLANNING AND PROGRAM SERVICES, ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURAL
 SERVICES, PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, CONSULTANT AND LEGAL  SERVICES,  AND
 OTHER  DIRECT EXPENSES INCIDENT TO SUCH PROJECT LESS ANY FEDERAL ASSIST-
 ANCE RECEIVED OR TO BE RECEIVED, AND ANY  OTHER  ASSISTANCE  FROM  OTHER
 PARTIES.
   (C) "FACILITY" MEANS ANY STRUCTURE OR SITE IMPROVEMENT.
   (D)  "FEDERAL  ASSISTANCE"  MEANS FUNDS AVAILABLE, OTHER THAN BY LOAN,
 FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, EITHER DIRECTLY OR  THROUGH  ALLOCATION  BY
 THE  STATE  FOR CONSTRUCTION OR PROGRAM PURPOSES PURSUANT TO ANY FEDERAL
 LAW OR PROGRAM.
   (E) "HERITAGE ORGANIZATION"  MEANS  A  NOT-FOR-PROFIT  HISTORIC  SITE,
 HISTORICAL  SOCIETY,  BATTLEFIELD,  HISTORIC PARK, HISTORY-BASED MUSEUM,
 FRIENDS GROUPS, LIBRARY, ARCHIVE, ACADEMIC INSTITUTE,  HISTORICAL  ANNI-
 VERSARY  ORGANIZATION,  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.
   (F)  "MUNICIPALITY"  MEANS  A LOCAL PUBLIC AUTHORITY OR PUBLIC BENEFIT
 CORPORATION, STATE AGENCY, STATE PUBLIC AUTHORITY, STATE PUBLIC  BENEFIT
 CORPORATION,  COUNTY, CITY, TOWN, VILLAGE, INDIAN TRIBE OR NATION RESID-
 ING WITHIN THE STATE, OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF.  THE TERM MUNICIPALITY
 SHALL ALSO INCLUDE A SCHOOL DISTRICT AND ANY SUPERVISORY DISTRICT.
   (G) "NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION" MEANS A CORPORATION  FORMED  PURSUANT
 TO  THE  NOT-FOR-PROFIT  CORPORATION  LAW  AND  QUALIFIED FOR TAX-EXEMPT
 STATUS UNDER THE FEDERAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
   (H) "STATE ASSISTANCE PAYMENT" MEANS THE  PAYMENT  OF  MONIES  BY  THE
 STATE FOR PROJECTS AUTHORIZED BY THE NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH
 COMMEMORATION  COMMISSION  FUND PURSUANT TO SECTION NINETY-FIVE-J OF THE
 STATE FINANCE LAW.
   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

 S. 4410                             3
 
 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 HIGH PROFILE,  NON-GO-
 VERNMENT  MEETINGS,  CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND CONVENTIONS IN INTERESTED
 COMMUNITIES USING SUCH ANNIVERSARY 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;
   (XII) SETTING GOALS AND BENCHMARKS FOR THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION; AND
   (XIII) DOING ALL OTHER ACTIONS NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE AS RELATED TO
 PARAGRAPHS (I) THROUGH (XII) OF THIS PARAGRAPH.
   (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 SIMILAR ORGAN-
 IZATIONS 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  VOTING  MEMBERS  TO  BE
 APPOINTED AS FOLLOWS:
   (I) THE COMMISSIONER OR HIS OR HER DULY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE;
   (II)  THE  COMMISSIONER  OF  THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OR HIS OR HER
 DULY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE;
   (III) THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF EMPIRE STATE DEVEL-
 OPMENT OR HIS OR HER DULY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE;
   (IV) A DULY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE  FROM  THE  CAYUGA  NATION,  THE
 ONEIDA INDIAN NATION, THE ONONDAGA INDIAN NATION, THE SAINT REGIS MOHAWK

 S. 4410                             4
 
 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)  ONE  MEMBER  FROM  EACH  OF THE TEN REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
 COUNCILS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF WHOM FOUR 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; AND
   (VI) THE NEW YORK STATE HISTORIAN SHALL SERVE AS A NON-VOTING MEMBER.
   (D) SUCH APPOINTEES SHALL HAVE A PROFESSIONAL  BACKGROUND  IN  ONE  OR
 MORE  OF  THE  FOLLOWING  FIELDS:  LOCAL  GOVERNMENT HISTORIAN, ACADEMIC
 HISTORIAN, MUSEUM PROFESSIONAL, SOCIAL  STUDIES  TEACHER  OR  PROFESSOR,
 TOURISM  PROFESSIONAL,  ARCHEOLOGIST, ANTHROPOLOGIST, 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 AND AMONG ITS OFFICERS SHALL BE  FILLED  IN
 THE  SAME MANNER PROVIDED FOR ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS. THE STATE HISTORIAN
 AND STAFF OF THE OFFICE OF STATE HISTORY SHALL BE DEEMED  THE  STAFF  OF
 THE COMMISSION.
   (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 PURSUANT TO THIS SUBDIVISION
 FROM ANY FUNDS WHICH MAY BECOME AVAILABLE FOR SUCH PURPOSE.
   (H) THE COMMISSION SHALL HOLD A MEETING AT LEAST ONCE EACH QUARTER.
   3. THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE POWER:
   (A) TO SUE AND BE SUED;
   (B) 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;
   (C) TO MAKE AND EXECUTE CONTRACTS AND ALL OTHER INSTRUMENTS  NECESSARY
 OR  CONVENIENT  FOR  THE EXERCISE OF ITS DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS UNDER THIS
 SECTION;
   (D) 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,  LEGAL
 ASSISTANCE,  TRAINING,  CITIZEN  EDUCATION AND PARTICIPATION ASSISTANCE,
 AND ASSISTANCE IN PREPARATION OF GRANT APPLICATIONS TO OTHER ENTITIES.
   (E) TO CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE;
   (F) TO APPLY FOR AND RECEIVE FROM THE FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT AND
 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE AGENCIES, FUNDS TO ACCOMPLISH  THE  PURPOSES  OF  THE
 COMMISSION  AND  TO  SOLICIT, RECEIVE AND UTILIZE GIFTS AND DONATIONS OF
 ANY KIND FROM ANY  SOURCE;  AND  TO  ACCEPT  GIFTS,  GRANTS,  LOANS,  OR
 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM, AND ENTER INTO CONTRACTS OR OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH,
 THE UNITED STATES AND THE STATE OR ANY COMMISSION OF EITHER OF THEM, ANY
 MUNICIPALITY, ANY PUBLIC OR PRIVATE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER LEGAL ENTI-
 TY  FOR  THE  PURPOSE  OF THE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION, WHICH
 SHALL BE DEPOSITED IN THE NEW YORK STATE TWO  HUNDRED  FIFTIETH  COMMEM-
 ORATION COMMISSION FUND ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION NINETY-FIVE-J OF
 THE STATE FINANCE LAW;

 S. 4410                             5
 
   (G) TO CONDUCT HISTORICAL, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL STUDIES;
   (H) TO CONDUCT EDUCATION PROGRAMS;
   (I)  TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING NECESSARY FACILITIES RELATED TO
 HERITAGE ORGANIZATIONS, HISTORICAL SIGNS, AND MONUMENTS;
   (J) TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS, CORPORATIONS,  HERITAGE  ORGANIZATIONS  AND
 OTHER  PUBLIC  ENTITIES  ON  WAYS  TO  PROTECT  AND PROMOTE THE HERITAGE
 RESOURCES OF THE STATE;
   (K) TO PREPARE AN ANNUAL REPORT ON THE CONDUCT OF ITS ACTIVITIES WHICH
 SHALL INCLUDE A RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR THE NEXT YEAR;
   (L) TO SERVE A COORDINATING ROLE  IN  UTILIZING  THE  CAPABILITIES  OF
 OTHER  ORGANIZATIONS TO CARRY OUT THE DUTIES PRESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION;
 AND
   (M) 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,  AN  ECONOMIC
 PLAN,  AN EDUCATION PLAN AND A FINANCIAL PLAN WHICH SHALL CONTAIN STATE-
 WIDE PLANS FOR COMMEMORATING THE STATE'S ROLE IN  THE  FOUNDING  OF  THE
 NATION AND THE ENSUING TWO HUNDRED FIFTY YEARS OF HISTORY.
   (B)  SUCH  PLANS SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE HISTORIC PRESERVA-
 TION PLAN, THE ERIE CANALWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR PRESERVATION AND
 MANAGEMENT PLAN, THE  CHAMPLAIN  VALLEY  NATIONAL  HERITAGE  PARTNERSHIP
 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 THEREFOR: (I) HISTORIC, CULTURAL AND OTHER  HERIT-
 AGE  RESOURCES;  (II) SCENIC RESOURCES; AND (III) EDUCATIONAL AND RECRE-
 ATIONAL RESOURCES.
   (D) SUCH ECONOMIC PLAN SHALL INCLUDE BUT NOT  BE  LIMITED  TO:  (I)  A
 TOURISM  PLAN  WITH  ELEMENTS  OF BRANDING, MARKETING AND PROMOTION; AND
 (II) A STRATEGY FOR LONG-TERM FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY  AND  STEWARDSHIP
 OF THE STATE'S HERITAGE ORGANIZATIONS.
   (E)  SUCH  EDUCATION PLAN SHALL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO PUBLICA-
 TIONS, TEACHING AIDS, EXHIBITS, PROGRAMS AND GUIDED ACTIVITIES.
   (F) SUCH FINANCIAL PLAN SHALL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO  AN  ITEM-
 IZED  ESTIMATE OF FUNDS OR APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUCH
 PLANS.
   (G) WITHIN TWELVE MONTHS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE  OF  THIS  SECTION  THE
 COMMISSION  SHALL  VOTE  TO FINALIZE SUCH PLANS. A COPY OF SUCH APPROVED
 PLANS SHALL BE PROVIDED TO THE GOVERNOR, THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF  THE
 SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY.
   (H) THE COMMISSION SHALL PROPOSE AMENDMENTS TO SUCH PLANS 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
 SHALL  REQUEST  SUCH  FUNDS  OR  APPROPRIATIONS FROM SUCH FINANCIAL PLAN
 ANNUALLY FOR INCLUSION IN THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET;
   7. IN ADMINISTERING THE PROVISIONS OF  THIS  SECTION,  THE  COMMISSION
 MAY,  IN THE NAME OF THE STATE, AS FURTHER PROVIDED WITHIN THIS SECTION,
 CONTRACT TO MAKE, WITHIN THE  LIMITATIONS  OF  APPROPRIATIONS  AVAILABLE
 THEREFOR, STATE ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS TO A MUNICIPALITY TOWARD THE COST OF

 S. 4410                             6
 
 A  PROJECT APPROVED AND TO BE UNDERTAKEN PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION, OR TO
 A NOT-FOR-PROFIT HERITAGE ORGANIZATION TOWARD THE  COSTS  OF  A  PROJECT
 APPROVED  AND TO BE UNDERTAKEN PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.  SUCH CONTRACTS
 SHALL  BE  SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE STATE COMPTROLLER AND, AS TO FORM,
 BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
   8. IN ADMINISTERING THE PROVISIONS OF  THIS  SECTION,  THE  COMMISSION
 MAY,  IN THE NAME OF THE STATE, ENTER INTO CONTRACTS, WITHIN THE LIMITA-
 TIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS AVAILABLE THEREFOR, WITH  NOT-FOR-PROFIT  CORPO-
 RATIONS,  PUBLIC  BENEFIT  CORPORATIONS,  AND  PRIVATE  CONTRACTORS  FOR
 SERVICES CONTEMPLATED BY THIS SECTION AND TO BE FUNDED BY THE  NEW  YORK
 STATE  TWO  HUNDRED  FIFTIETH  COMMEMORATION COMMISSION FUND PURSUANT TO
 SECTION NINETY-FIVE-J OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW. SUCH CONTRACTS SHALL  BE
 SUBJECT  TO  APPROVAL  BY  THE STATE COMPTROLLER AND, AS TO FORM, BY THE
 ATTORNEY GENERAL.
   9. IN ADMINISTERING THE PROVISIONS OF  THIS  SECTION,  THE  COMMISSION
 SHALL APPROVE VOUCHERS FOR THE PAYMENTS PURSUANT TO AN APPROVED CONTRACT
 FROM SUCH FUND. ALL SUCH PAYMENTS SHALL BE PAID ON THE AUDIT AND WARRANT
 OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER.
   10. A MUNICIPALITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER AND AUTHORITY TO:
   (A)  UNDERTAKE  AND  CARRY  OUT ANY PROJECT FOR WHICH STATE ASSISTANCE
 PAYMENTS PURSUANT TO A CONTRACT ARE  RECEIVED  OR  ARE  TO  BE  RECEIVED
 PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION AND TO MAINTAIN AND OPERATE SUCH PROJECT;
   (B)  EXPEND MONEY RECEIVED FROM THE STATE PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION FOR
 COSTS INCURRED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE APPROVED PROJECT; AND
   (C) PERFORM OTHER AND FURTHER ACTS AS  MAY  BE  NECESSARY,  PROPER  OR
 DESIRABLE TO CARRY OUT A PROJECT OR OBLIGATION, DUTY OR FUNCTION RELATED
 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

 S. 4410                             7
 
   (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
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  4410--A
 
                        2021-2022 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                             February 4, 2021
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by Sens. MAYER, BORRELLO, BROOKS, GOUNARDES, HARCKHAM, HELM-
   ING, MARTUCCI, MATTERA, OBERACKER, PALUMBO,  RAMOS,  REICHLIN-MELNICK,
   SKOUFIS,  STAVISKY,  STEC  -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism,
   Parks and Recreation -- 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
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
              

                                                            LBD01326-04-1

 S. 4410--A                          2
 
 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)  "COST" MEANS THE COST OF AN APPROVED PROJECT, WHICH SHALL INCLUDE
 EDUCATION, PLANNING AND PROGRAM SERVICES, ENGINEERING AND  ARCHITECTURAL
 SERVICES,  PLANS  AND SPECIFICATIONS, CONSULTANT AND LEGAL SERVICES, AND
 OTHER DIRECT EXPENSES INCIDENT TO SUCH PROJECT LESS ANY FEDERAL  ASSIST-
 ANCE  RECEIVED  OR  TO  BE RECEIVED, AND ANY OTHER ASSISTANCE FROM OTHER
 PARTIES.
   (C) "FACILITY" MEANS ANY STRUCTURE OR SITE IMPROVEMENT.
   (D) "FEDERAL ASSISTANCE" MEANS FUNDS AVAILABLE, OTHER  THAN  BY  LOAN,
 FROM  THE  FEDERAL  GOVERNMENT, EITHER DIRECTLY OR THROUGH ALLOCATION BY
 THE STATE FOR CONSTRUCTION OR PROGRAM PURPOSES PURSUANT TO  ANY  FEDERAL
 LAW OR PROGRAM.
   (E)  "HERITAGE  ORGANIZATION"  MEANS  A  NOT-FOR-PROFIT HISTORIC SITE,
 HISTORICAL SOCIETY, BATTLEFIELD, HISTORIC  PARK,  HISTORY-BASED  MUSEUM,
 FRIENDS  GROUPS,  LIBRARY, ARCHIVE, ACADEMIC INSTITUTE, HISTORICAL ANNI-
 VERSARY ORGANIZATION, 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.
   (F) "MUNICIPALITY" MEANS A LOCAL PUBLIC AUTHORITY  OR  PUBLIC  BENEFIT
 CORPORATION,  STATE AGENCY, STATE PUBLIC AUTHORITY, STATE PUBLIC BENEFIT
 CORPORATION, COUNTY, CITY, TOWN, VILLAGE, INDIAN TRIBE OR NATION  RESID-
 ING WITHIN THE STATE, OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF.  THE TERM MUNICIPALITY
 SHALL ALSO INCLUDE A SCHOOL DISTRICT AND ANY SUPERVISORY DISTRICT.
   (G)  "NOT-FOR-PROFIT  CORPORATION" MEANS A CORPORATION FORMED PURSUANT
 TO THE NOT-FOR-PROFIT  CORPORATION  LAW  AND  QUALIFIED  FOR  TAX-EXEMPT
 STATUS UNDER THE FEDERAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
   (H)  "STATE  ASSISTANCE  PAYMENT"  MEANS  THE PAYMENT OF MONIES BY THE
 STATE FOR PROJECTS AUTHORIZED BY THE NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH
 COMMEMORATION COMMISSION FUND PURSUANT TO SECTION NINETY-FIVE-J  OF  THE
 STATE FINANCE LAW.
   2. (A) THE OFFICE SHALL CREATE THE NEW YORK STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH
 COMMEMORATION  COMMISSION. FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION UNTIL

 S. 4410--A                          3
 
 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 HIGH PROFILE,  NON-GO-
 VERNMENT  MEETINGS,  CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND CONVENTIONS IN INTERESTED
 COMMUNITIES USING SUCH ANNIVERSARY 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;
   (XII) SETTING GOALS AND BENCHMARKS FOR THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION; AND
   (XIII) DOING ALL OTHER ACTIONS NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE AS RELATED TO
 PARAGRAPHS (I) THROUGH (XII) OF THIS PARAGRAPH.
   (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 SIMILAR ORGAN-
 IZATIONS IN THE DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING,  PROMOTION  AND  COORDINATION  OF
 ACTIVITIES  TO  COMMEMORATE  THE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
 AMERICAN REVOLUTION;
   (C) (I) THE COMMISSION SHALL CONSIST OF THIRTEEN VOTING MEMBERS TO  BE
 APPOINTED AS FOLLOWS:
   (1) THE COMMISSIONER OR HIS OR HER DULY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE;
   (2) THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OR HIS OR HER DULY
 DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE;
   (3) THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF EMPIRE STATE DEVELOP-
 MENT OR HIS OR HER DULY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE; AND

 S. 4410--A                          4
 
   (4)  ONE  MEMBER  FROM  EACH  OF THE TEN REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
 COUNCILS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF WHOM FOUR 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.
   (II)  THE COMMISSION SHALL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING NON-VOTING MEMBERS
 TO BE APPOINTED AS FOLLOWS:
   (1) A DULY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE   FROM    EACH  OF  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; AND
   (2) THE NEW YORK STATE HISTORIAN.
   (D) SUCH APPOINTEES SHALL HAVE A PROFESSIONAL  BACKGROUND  IN  ONE  OR
 MORE  OF  THE  FOLLOWING  FIELDS:  LOCAL  GOVERNMENT HISTORIAN, ACADEMIC
 HISTORIAN, MUSEUM PROFESSIONAL, SOCIAL  STUDIES  TEACHER  OR  PROFESSOR,
 TOURISM  PROFESSIONAL,  ARCHEOLOGIST, ANTHROPOLOGIST, 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 AND AMONG ITS OFFICERS SHALL BE  FILLED  IN
 THE  SAME MANNER PROVIDED FOR ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS. THE STATE HISTORIAN
 AND STAFF OF THE OFFICE OF STATE HISTORY SHALL BE DEEMED  THE  STAFF  OF
 THE COMMISSION.
   (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 PURSUANT TO THIS SUBDIVISION
 FROM ANY FUNDS WHICH MAY BECOME AVAILABLE FOR SUCH PURPOSE.
   (H) THE COMMISSION SHALL HOLD A MEETING AT LEAST ONCE EACH QUARTER.
   3. THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE POWER:
   (A) TO SUE AND BE SUED;
   (B) 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;
   (C) TO MAKE AND EXECUTE CONTRACTS AND ALL OTHER INSTRUMENTS  NECESSARY
 OR  CONVENIENT  FOR  THE EXERCISE OF ITS DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS UNDER THIS
 SECTION;
   (D) 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,  LEGAL
 ASSISTANCE,  TRAINING,  CITIZEN  EDUCATION AND PARTICIPATION ASSISTANCE,
 AND ASSISTANCE IN PREPARATION OF GRANT APPLICATIONS TO OTHER ENTITIES.
   (E) TO CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE;
   (F) TO APPLY FOR AND RECEIVE FROM THE FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT AND
 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE AGENCIES, FUNDS TO ACCOMPLISH  THE  PURPOSES  OF  THE
 COMMISSION  AND  TO  SOLICIT, RECEIVE AND UTILIZE GIFTS AND DONATIONS OF
 ANY KIND FROM ANY  SOURCE;  AND  TO  ACCEPT  GIFTS,  GRANTS,  LOANS,  OR
 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM, AND ENTER INTO CONTRACTS OR OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH,
 THE UNITED STATES AND THE STATE OR ANY COMMISSION OF EITHER OF THEM, ANY
 MUNICIPALITY, ANY PUBLIC OR PRIVATE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER LEGAL ENTI-

 S. 4410--A                          5
 
 TY  FOR  THE  PURPOSE  OF THE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION, WHICH
 SHALL BE DEPOSITED IN THE NEW YORK STATE TWO  HUNDRED  FIFTIETH  COMMEM-
 ORATION COMMISSION FUND ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION NINETY-FIVE-J OF
 THE STATE FINANCE LAW;
   (G) TO CONDUCT HISTORICAL, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL STUDIES;
   (H) TO CONDUCT EDUCATION PROGRAMS;
   (I)  TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING NECESSARY FACILITIES RELATED TO
 HERITAGE ORGANIZATIONS, HISTORICAL SIGNS, AND MONUMENTS;
   (J) TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS, CORPORATIONS,  HERITAGE  ORGANIZATIONS  AND
 OTHER  PUBLIC  ENTITIES  ON  WAYS  TO  PROTECT  AND PROMOTE THE HERITAGE
 RESOURCES OF THE STATE;
   (K) TO PREPARE AN ANNUAL REPORT ON THE CONDUCT OF ITS ACTIVITIES WHICH
 SHALL INCLUDE A RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR THE NEXT YEAR;
   (L) TO SERVE A COORDINATING ROLE  IN  UTILIZING  THE  CAPABILITIES  OF
 OTHER  ORGANIZATIONS TO CARRY OUT THE DUTIES PRESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION;
 AND
   (M) 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,  AN  ECONOMIC
 PLAN,  AN EDUCATION PLAN AND A FINANCIAL PLAN WHICH SHALL CONTAIN STATE-
 WIDE PLANS FOR COMMEMORATING THE STATE'S ROLE IN  THE  FOUNDING  OF  THE
 NATION AND THE ENSUING TWO HUNDRED FIFTY YEARS OF HISTORY.
   (B)  SUCH  PLANS SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE HISTORIC PRESERVA-
 TION PLAN, THE ERIE CANALWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR PRESERVATION AND
 MANAGEMENT PLAN, THE  CHAMPLAIN  VALLEY  NATIONAL  HERITAGE  PARTNERSHIP
 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 THEREFOR: (I) HISTORIC, CULTURAL AND OTHER  HERIT-
 AGE  RESOURCES;  (II) SCENIC RESOURCES; AND (III) EDUCATIONAL AND RECRE-
 ATIONAL RESOURCES.
   (D) SUCH ECONOMIC PLAN SHALL INCLUDE BUT NOT  BE  LIMITED  TO:  (I)  A
 TOURISM  PLAN  WITH  ELEMENTS  OF BRANDING, MARKETING AND PROMOTION; AND
 (II) A STRATEGY FOR LONG-TERM FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY  AND  STEWARDSHIP
 OF THE STATE'S HERITAGE ORGANIZATIONS.
   (E)  SUCH  EDUCATION PLAN SHALL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO PUBLICA-
 TIONS, TEACHING AIDS, EXHIBITS, PROGRAMS AND GUIDED ACTIVITIES.
   (F) SUCH FINANCIAL PLAN SHALL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO  AN  ITEM-
 IZED  ESTIMATE OF FUNDS OR APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUCH
 PLANS.
   (G) WITHIN TWELVE MONTHS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE  OF  THIS  SECTION  THE
 COMMISSION  SHALL  VOTE  TO FINALIZE SUCH PLANS. A COPY OF SUCH APPROVED
 PLANS SHALL BE PROVIDED TO THE GOVERNOR, THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF  THE
 SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY.
   (H) THE COMMISSION SHALL PROPOSE AMENDMENTS TO SUCH PLANS 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
 SHALL  REQUEST  SUCH  FUNDS  OR  APPROPRIATIONS FROM SUCH FINANCIAL PLAN
 ANNUALLY FOR INCLUSION IN THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET;

 S. 4410--A                          6
 
   7. IN ADMINISTERING THE PROVISIONS OF  THIS  SECTION,  THE  COMMISSION
 MAY,  IN THE NAME OF THE STATE, AS FURTHER PROVIDED WITHIN THIS SECTION,
 CONTRACT TO MAKE, WITHIN THE  LIMITATIONS  OF  APPROPRIATIONS  AVAILABLE
 THEREFOR, STATE ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS TO A MUNICIPALITY TOWARD THE COST OF
 A  PROJECT APPROVED AND TO BE UNDERTAKEN PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION, OR TO
 A NOT-FOR-PROFIT HERITAGE ORGANIZATION TOWARD THE  COSTS  OF  A  PROJECT
 APPROVED  AND TO BE UNDERTAKEN PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.  SUCH CONTRACTS
 SHALL BE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE STATE COMPTROLLER AND, AS  TO  FORM,
 BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
   8.  IN  ADMINISTERING  THE  PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, THE COMMISSION
 MAY, IN THE NAME OF THE STATE, ENTER INTO CONTRACTS, WITHIN THE  LIMITA-
 TIONS  OF  APPROPRIATIONS AVAILABLE THEREFOR, WITH NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPO-
 RATIONS,  PUBLIC  BENEFIT  CORPORATIONS,  AND  PRIVATE  CONTRACTORS  FOR
 SERVICES  CONTEMPLATED  BY THIS SECTION AND TO BE FUNDED BY THE NEW YORK
 STATE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH COMMEMORATION  COMMISSION  FUND  PURSUANT  TO
 SECTION  NINETY-FIVE-J OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW. SUCH CONTRACTS SHALL BE
 SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE STATE COMPTROLLER AND, AS  TO  FORM,  BY  THE
 ATTORNEY GENERAL.
   9.  IN  ADMINISTERING  THE  PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, THE COMMISSION
 SHALL APPROVE VOUCHERS FOR THE PAYMENTS PURSUANT TO AN APPROVED CONTRACT
 FROM SUCH FUND. ALL SUCH PAYMENTS SHALL BE PAID ON THE AUDIT AND WARRANT
 OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER.
   10. A MUNICIPALITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER AND AUTHORITY TO:
   (A) UNDERTAKE AND CARRY OUT ANY PROJECT  FOR  WHICH  STATE  ASSISTANCE
 PAYMENTS  PURSUANT  TO  A  CONTRACT  ARE  RECEIVED OR ARE TO BE RECEIVED
 PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION AND TO MAINTAIN AND OPERATE SUCH PROJECT;
   (B) EXPEND MONEY RECEIVED FROM THE STATE PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION  FOR
 COSTS INCURRED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE APPROVED PROJECT; AND
   (C)  PERFORM  OTHER  AND  FURTHER  ACTS AS MAY BE NECESSARY, PROPER OR
 DESIRABLE TO CARRY OUT A PROJECT OR OBLIGATION, DUTY OR FUNCTION RELATED
 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

 S. 4410--A                          7
 
 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
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  4410--B
 
                        2021-2022 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                             February 4, 2021
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by Sens. MAYER, BORRELLO, BROOKS, GOUNARDES, HARCKHAM, HELM-
   ING, MANNION, MARTUCCI, MATTERA, OBERACKER, PALUMBO, RAMOS,  REICHLIN-
   MELNICK,  SKOUFIS,  STAVISKY,  STEC -- read twice and ordered printed,
   and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Cultural Affairs,
   Tourism, Parks and Recreation -- committee discharged,  bill  amended,
   ordered  reprinted  as  amended  and  recommitted to said committee --
   reported favorably from said committee and committed to the  Committee
   on Finance -- 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.
              

                                                            LBD01326-09-1

 S. 4410--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;

 S. 4410--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, ON A  GOVERN-
 MENT  TO  GOVERNMENT BASIS, WITH 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 STOCK-
 BRIDGE-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.

 S. 4410--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

 S. 4410--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.