Provides for special elections for the offices of comptroller and attorney general for vacancies during a term

6 Co-sponsors

• John A. DeFrancisco
• Andrew J. Lanza
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Kenneth P. LaValle
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• Lee M. Zeldin

BILL NUMBER:S1969

Title of bill

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment to section 1 of article 5 of the constitution, in relation to providing for special elections to fill the offices of comptroller and attorney general

Purpose

To provide for special elections to be held to fill vacancies in the offices of the Comptroller and Attorney General.

Summary of provisions

The bill amends section 1, article 5 of the constitution to establish that when a vacancy occurs during the term of the comptroller or attorney general, a special election shall be conducted to fill such office.

Justification

The State Comptroller oversees the state's $150.6 billion pension fund and is responsible for hundreds of yearly audits of cities, towns, school districts and other government agencies. He or she is responsible for ensuring that tax dollars are spent prudently and productively. The Attorney General is the state's chief legal officer. The State Comptroller and the Attorney General are both representatives of the people of the state and as such should always be elected by the people even in cases of vacancies. Enactment of this measure will ensure these officers are chosen by the people of the state and not the Legislature.

Legislative history

2011-12 S. 3266/A. 4348 - Judiciary Committee.

Fiscal implications

Costs associated with conducting a statewide election.

Effective date

RESOLVED (if the 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.