BILL NUMBER: S5334
SPONSOR: SANDERS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment
to article 1 of the constitution, in relation to establishing an econom-
ic bill of rights
 
PURPOSE:
This bill amends the New York State Constitution to provide for an
economic bill of rights for the citizens of the State of New York.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Under this legislation that amends the state Constitution, every citizen
of the State of New York, regardless of his or her income, shall be
entitled to the right to:
-a job that pays a living wage;
-quality health care; -a complete education; -affordable housing;
-a clean environment; and -a secure retirement.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
On January 11, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed a Second
Bill of Rights, also known as an economic bill of rights. FDR said that
the current political bill of rights was inadequate to ensure the equal-
ity of the pursuit of happiness. In June 2019, U.S. Senator Bernie
Sanders called for an updated version of FDR's Second Bill of Rights.
This bill amends the New York State Constitution to provide for an
economic bill of rights for the citizens of the State of New York.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-22 REFERRED TO SENATE JUDICIARY
2019-20 REFERRED TO SENATE JUDICIARY
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have
become law.