Authorizes limited constitutional conventions to consider certain issues

BILL NUMBER:A416

Title of bill

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY propos- ing an amendment to section 2 of article 19 of the constitution, in relation to authorizing a limited constitutional convention

Purpose

To have a State Constitutional convention limited to Legisla- tive Reform.

Summary of provisions

Amends Article 19 of § 2 of the State Constitu- tion.

Justification

There is a widespread perception that the legislative system in Albany is broken. The process of making laws in New York is not democratic or deliberative enough. Much of the blame for this unfor- tunate state of affairs is laid at the feet of the few decision makers, commonly referred to as the "three men in a room," who year after year negotiate budgets and policy with little or no public input. The prob- lems with the process have become institutionalized and persist year after year without reform. Rules have been adopted in both houses of the legislature that maintain the status quo. The most open and democratic way to reform the legislative process is to hold a Constitutional Convention.

Legislative history

2008: A8272 (Kavanagh) - Judiciary 2007: A8272 (Kavanagh) - Judiciary

Fiscal implications

There will be election costs involved as well as administrative costs incurred in order to hold a Constitutional Conven- tion.

Effective date

Upon passage of both houses during two respective terms and final approval of the people by referendum.