BILL NUMBER: S9266
SPONSOR: WEIK
 
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 proposing an amendment to section
2 of article 3 of the constitution, in relation to limiting the terms of
office as a member of the legislature any person may serve
 
PURPOSE:
Establishes term limits for the office of governor and for members of
the legislature.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 limits the number of terms a person may be elected to the
office of governor to three four-year terms.
Section 2 provides that Senators and Assembly members shall be elected
for four-year terms. Additionally, it limits service as a member of the
legislature to no more than three four-year terms for individuals
elected in 2029 or thereafter.
Section 3 establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
A 2021 poll demonstrated that a strong majority of New Yorkers support
term limits for both the governor and the legislature. Seventy-seven
percent of respondents favor term limits for the governor, while only
fifteen percent oppose them, and seventy-five percent support term
limits for members of the legislature. Support was particularly strong
among younger voters, with individuals between the ages of eighteen and
thirty-four showing the highest levels of approval, including eighty-two
percent and seventy-nine percent in favor of legislative term limits.
These results reflect a clear and consistent public preference for
limits on long-term service in elected office. As representatives of the
people, it is obligatory upon the legislature to respond to this
expressed will and ensure that the state government remains accountable
and accessible. Enacting term limits for both the governor and the
legislature reinforces the principle that public office is a temporary
public trust and aligns the constitution with the expectations of New
York voters.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
A7345 (2023-24): Referred to Judiciary
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
The first regular legislative session convening after the next succeed-
ing 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.