Provides for the submission to the people the question of whether or not to convene a constitutional convention

BILL NUMBER:S2501

Title of bill

An act to provide for the submission to the people of a proposition or question to convene a constitutional convention

Purpose

To provide for a constitutional convention to be called for the limited purpose of providing for a process of choosing a lieutenant governor in the event of a vacancy in such office and for real property tax reform.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 provides for the question to be put to the people.

Section 2 provides that if the question is answered in the affirmative that to provisions of section 2 of Article XIX of the constitution shall apply and be implemented.

Section 3 provides for the effective date.

Justification

On two occasions within the last 25 years and 15 times over the history of the State, the State of New York has not had a lieutenant governor. The office remains vacant until the next gubernatorial election. The office of lieutenant governor has many functions including being first in the gubernatorial succession and president of the Senate.

The Governor, on July 8, 2009, had attempted to appoint a Lieutenant Governor relying upon the Public Officers Law. This issue should be taken up before a constitutional convention where the matter can be debated and given consideration which then can be presented to the people on the ballot.

Legislative history

2013-14 S.1288; 2011-12 S.2680; 2010 S.6088.

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

Immediately.