Increases the length of the term of office for members of the legislature from two to four years with no member serving more than sixteen years; imposes term limits on the governor, lieutenant-governor, comptroller, and attorney-general.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A10427
SPONSOR: Shrestha TITLE OF BILL:
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment
to section 2 of article 3 of the constitution, in relation to increasing
the length of the term of office for members of the legislature; propos-
ing an amendment to section 1 of article 4 of the constitution, in
relation to term limits for the office of governor and lieutenant-gover-
nor; and proposing an amendment to section 1 of article 5 of the consti-
tution, in relation to term limits for the offices of comptroller and
attorney-general
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This legislation would increase the term of office for members of the
legislature from 2 to 4 years with no member serving more than 16 years.
It would also impose term limits to the governor, lieutenant governor,
attorney general, and comptroller so no person shall be elected to these
offices more than three times.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 2 of article 3 of the constitution to limit the
term of office for Senate and Assembly members to 16 years and increases
the length of the term of office for both Senate and Assembly members to
4 years.
Section 2 amends section 1 of article 4 of the constitution, in relation
to term limits for the office of governor and lieutenant governor.
Section 3 amends section 1 of article 5 of the constitution, in relation
to term limits for the offices of comptroller and attorney general.
Section 4 resolves that the amendment be referred to the first regular
legislative session convening after the next succeeding general election
of members of the Assembly, and, in conformity with section 1 of article
19 of the State Constitution, be published for 3 months previous to the
time of such election.
JUSTIFICATION:
There is a growing and concerning level of apathy in our democracy,
especially among younger generations who will soon be at the helm of our
democracy. To make our democracy robust, it must be seen as fair,
vibrant, and effective, Currently, two aspects about the terms served by
State legislators are an obstacle to this: first, short 2-year terms
make the prioritization of transformative policies ineffective because
concerns about political attacks and constant fundraising are a major
distraction, Second, there is overwhelming public support for term
limits, and not only would a term limit encourage legislators to focus
on getting specific policies done before their time is up, it would also
encourage younger people to take seriously the prospects of running for
office. It is vital to the security of our future that democracy feels
accessible to those we represent, instead of feeling like a space that
is only available to certain inner circles. Term limits are also more
likely to result in a citizen legislature, where individuals serve for a
period of time before returning to their prior careers or moving on to
another.
By concurrently increasing the legislative term to four years and impos-
ing a 16-year term limit for a legislative seat, this amendment seeks to
increase the quality of elections, and build trust in and effectiveness
of the political process.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2019-2020: A.9119 - Referred to Governmental Operations
2021-2022: A.858 - Referred to Governmental Operations
2023-2024: A.1407 - Referred to Governmental Operations
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This amendment to the State Constitution would be referred to the first
regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding general
election of members of the Assembly and Senate. If approved, this amend-
ment would be submitted to voters at the next general election.
