Creates one chamber legislature

1 Multi-sponsor

• Susan John

BILL NUMBER:A9875

Title of bill

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing amendments to sections 1 and 14 of article 3 of the constitution, in relation to the reorganization of the legislature

Purpose or general idea of bill

This amendment will consolidate both the Assembly and Senate into one house.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 consolidates the Assembly and Senate into one legislative body consisting of 100 members.

Justification

There is no historical or practical justification for the continuation of a two-house legislature. Checks and balances are necessary between the branches of government, not within them. Unlike the United States Senate, the New York State Senate districts are not representative of political jurisdictions (such as counties), but merely larger representations of individuals. Moreover, the United States Congress was a compromise between the states to help balance the power between the most populous and least populous states. This was not an issue with the structural foundation of New York state government.

As a result of this dual legislative house phenomenon, the two houses of the New York State Legislature are duplicative because they represent the same people - the only difference is that the Senate represents a larger population. The current system leads to unnecessary conflict and waste of scarce resources.

A one house legislature will eliminate needless duplication and delay and save taxpayers millions of wasted dollars and hours of time in the operation of two legislative houses; it will speed up the budget process and facilitate the adoption of timely budgets; and, it will create a more open and accountable legislature that will be more accessible and responsive to the people.

Prior legislative history

A.11856 of 2004, A597 of 2006

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Resolved (if the Senate 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.