Relates to establishing set dates for school district proposition votes

BILL NUMBER:S1604

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to the dates school district proposition votes may be held

Purpose

This legislation establishes dates for school district proposition votes.

Summary of provisions

Section 1:Amends the Education Law by adding a new section 1501-d, stating that all school district proposition votes will be held on the third Tuesday in May. However, such election shall be held on the second Tuesday in May at a time and place separate from the annual meeting of such school district if the Commissioner of Education, at the request of a local school board, certifies no later than March first that such election would conflict with religious observances.

Additionally, school district proposition votes may also take place on either or both of two separate dates to be set by the Commissioner, not to be between the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November and the third Monday of January.

Finally, if in the event of an emergency or disaster situation a proposition must be offered, a school board may, by two-thirds majority vote, set its own date for the proposition.

Section 2:Effective date.

Justification

Having uniform set voting dates for school projects will increase voter turnout.

Legislative history

S.2015-A of 2014: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Education Committee S.2015 of 2013: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Education Committee S.6235 of 2012: Died on Senate Floor Calendar S.5261 of 2008: Died on Senate Floor Calendar S.5261 of 2007: Died on Senate Floor Calendar

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become law; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.