BILL NUMBER: S1584
SPONSOR: GRIFFO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing the addition
of a new article 20 to the constitution, in relation to providing for
recall
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to allow for the recall of statewide elected
officials.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
This bill authorizes the use of recall in New York State for all state-
wide elected officers. Recall authorizes electors to remove an elective
officer. If electors seek to recall a statewide officer, then the peti-
tion must be signed by at least 12% of the last vote for the office.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The basis for the procedure of recalling an elected official is the
well-accepted maxim that voters should retain the right of control over
their elected officials. No one would seriously dispute that a candidate
for public office may be elected for several reasons and some of the
reasons may bear little relation to the candidate's ability to perform
public duties effectively. Recall recognizes this by acknowledging that
if people can be elected to public office for non-jobrelated reasons,
they can also be removed from office for a variety of reasons. Another
compelling argument for establishing recall in New York is an important
check on the power of special interests in the state. As for any argu-
ment that recall can be abused for frivolous reasons or proposals, it
must be kept in mind that the voters can reject any measure they are
unsure of and, in fact, one could argue that the voters should be trust-
ed to act in the public interest.
Measures of direct democracy, such as recall can empower New York's
residents whenever their elected officials ignore their concerns.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24-S.1437/A.1470 - Judiciary Committee/Judiciary Committee
2021-22 - S. 3777a/A. 6469 - Judiciary Committee.
2019-20 - S.2011/A.3220 - Judiciary Committee
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Slightly increased administrative costs.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Upon passage by two separately elected Legislatures and approval by the
voters after such passage.