N.Y. Executive Law § 329: Martin Luther King, Jr

§ 329. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission. 1. A state commission is

hereby created to develop, promote, coordinate and review plans and

activities statewide for the annual commemoration and celebration of the

birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in accordance with chapter fifty

of the laws of nineteen hundred eighty-five.

2. The commission shall develop a plan for the commemoration and

celebration of the third Monday in January of each year, the official

state holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The commission shall,

among other things exercise the following powers and duties:

(a) develop and submit to the governor and the legislature

recommendations for specific commemorative activities to be undertaken

by the state on the third Monday of January of each year celebrating the

birthdate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.;

(b) coordinate state plans and activities with federal plans and

activities for the commemoration and celebration of Dr. King's birthday;

(c) develop, with other agencies of the state, an interpretive program

which explores the historical, social, political and cultural themes

associated with the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.;

(d) develop interpretive materials and publications on the

significance of Dr. King's work and develop a commemorative program for

state employees, school children and the general public;

(e) create a process to facilitate the implementation of the master

plan project and other recommendations made by the commission;

(f) prepare and provide to the general public advice, assistance and

information on the holiday activities recommended by the commission; and

(g) make other studies, reports and recommendations to the governor

and the legislature as are necessary with respect to activities for the

continued commemoration and celebration of Dr. King.

3. The commission shall consist of at least forty members, to be

appointed as follows: a fifteen member board of directors appointed by

the governor; one of whom shall be appointed upon the recommendation of

the temporary president of the senate, one of whom shall be appointed

upon the recommendation of the minority leader of the senate, one of

whom shall be appointed upon the recommendations of the speaker of the

assembly, and one of whom shall be appointed upon the recommendation of

the minority leader of the assembly; the commissioners of the department

of labor, the department of education, the office of general services

and the division of human rights and the chairman of the council for the

arts, each of whom may appoint a deputy to represent them on the

commission; and the remaining general members to be appointed by

executive order.

4. The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for

their services, however, those members who are not state officers or

employees shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred

in the performance of their duties. The board of directors shall select

a commission chairman from the members of such board.

5. The commission shall make a report to the governor and legislature

of its findings, conclusions, proposals and recommendations for the

observance of the January twentieth, nineteen hundred eighty-six,

birthday commemoration within ninety days of the effective date of this

section and, not later than December first, annually thereafter on its

findings, conclusions, proposals and recommendations and shall submit

with its reports such legislative proposals as it deems necessary to

implement its proposals and recommendations.

6. All state agencies are hereby authorized and directed to provide

assistance and available resources, as requested by the commission, in

order to effectuate the purposes of this section.