BILL NUMBER: S9610
SPONSOR: LANZA
 
TITLE OF BILL:
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment
to article 13 of the constitution, in relation to requiring county
clerks and sheriffs in the city of New York be elected
 
PURPOSE:
This bill would require that county clerks and sheriffs in the city of
New York be elected.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one amends paragraph (a) of section 13 of article 13 of the
constitution to require county clerks and the sheriff of New York City
to be elected offices.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Unlike the rest of New York State, county clerks and the sheriff in New
York city are appointed positions and are not selected by the voting
public who reside in such city.
Currently, county clerks in the five boroughs of New York, Kings,
Queens, Bronx and Richmond counties are appointed by the Appellate Divi-
sion of the Supreme Court. The First Department appoints county clerks
to New York and Bronx counties. The Second Department appoints county
clerks to Kings, Queens and Richmond counties. Additionally, the New
York City Sheriff is appointed by the Mayor.
This Constitutional amendment would change this method and allow
elections, so the people can decide on who should represent them in
these important government positions. This measure would empower voters
across the City to select their county clerks and sheriff just like all
other New York State counties currently do. This amendment does not
change the responsibilities of these offices but more importantly, gives
New York City residents the power to elect people to these offices, and
in doing so, preserve, strengthen and protect our democracy for the
people of New York City, our State and future generations.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Resolved (if the Senate/Assembly concur), That the foregoing 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 constitution, be
published for 3 months previous to the time of such election.