BILL NUMBER: S8144
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment
to section 1 of article 4 of the constitution, in relation to term
limits for the office of governor and lieutenant-governor; and proposing
an amendment to section 1 of article 5 of the constitution, in relation
to term limits for the offices of comptroller and attorney-general
 
PURPOSE:
This legislation would amend section 1 of article 4 of the constitution,
in relation to term limits for the office of governor and lieutenant-
governor; and would amend section 1 of article 5 of the constitution, in
relation to term limits for the offices of comptroller and attorney-gen-
eral
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Resolved (if the Assembly concur) amends section 1 of article
4 of the constitution, that the governor and lieutenant governor of New
York are elected jointly for four-year terms during general elections
held every four years, starting in 1938. No person may be elected gover-
nor or lieutenant governor more than three times. However, terms served
before the enactment of this amendment do not count toward the term
limit. If someone who has already been elected three times is next in
the line of succession, they will be skipped, and the next eligible
person will assume the office.
Section 2: Resolved (if the Assembly concur) amends section 1 of article
5 of the constitution, that the comptroller and attorney general are
elected during the same general election as the governor, serve the same
term, and must meet the same qualifications. No one may be elected to
either office more than three times, though terms served before the
amendment's enactment are excluded from this limit. The comptroller is
responsible for auditing payments, revenues, and official accounts, and
for setting accounting methods. The legislature may assign additional
oversight and taxation-related duties but cannot assign administrative
duties beyond those necessary for these functions.
Section 3: Sets effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
There is strong public support for term limits, driven by the belief
that they promote greater turnover in the legislature and bring fresh
perspectives to the political process. Supporters argue that term limits
encourage a citizen legislature-one where.individuals serve for a
defined period before returning to their previous careers or pursuing
new paths-fostering more diverse and grounded representation.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate
2023: No Senate Same-As
2024: No Senate Same-As
Assembly
2023: A9095, Opinion Referred to Judiciary
2024: A9095, Opinion Referred to Judiciary
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Resolved (if the Assembly concur), that the foregoing 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 constitution, be published for 3 months
previous to the time of such election.