STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
6439
2023-2024 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
April 20, 2023
___________
Introduced by Sen. WEIK -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
printed to be committed to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to providing reimburse-
ment for schools to transition from native names, logos, and mascots
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 319 to
2 read as follows:
3 § 319. Transitioning from native mascots, names or logos. 1. As used
4 in this section, "native name, logo, or mascot" shall mean any person,
5 animal or object used to represent a school district which names, refers
6 to, represents, or is associated with Native Americans, including
7 aspects of Native American cultures and specific Native American tribes.
8 2. The commissioner shall reimburse any school required by law, rule,
9 or regulation to transition away from a native name, logo, or mascot for
10 the actual costs of such transition. Such costs shall include, but not
11 be limited to, any costs incurred from:
12 (a) selecting a new school or athletic team name, logo, or mascot;
13 (b) designing the selected new school or athletic team name, logo, or
14 mascot;
15 (c) replacing uniforms or other materials bearing a native name, logo,
16 or
17 (d) replacing a marquee, sign, art work, or other fixture which bears
18 the native name, logo, or mascot; and
19 (e) replacing any portion of a school's facilities which bears the
20 native name, logo or mascot including, but not limited to, buildings,
21 athletic fields, courts, structures, vehicles, and floors.
22 § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD09007-01-3
