Increases the term of office of members of the legislature to 4 years; limits statewide elected officers and legislators to 3 consecutive 4 year terms

BILL NUMBER:S4352

Title of bill

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment to section 2 of article 3 of the constitution, in relation to increasing the terms of office of members of the legislature to four years and limiting the terms of office as a member of the legislature any person may serve; proposing an amendment to section 1 of article 4 of the constitution, in relation to limiting the terms of office as governor or lieutenant governor any person may serve; and proposing an amendment to section 1 of article 5 of the constitution, in relation to limiting the terms of office as comptroller or attorney-general any person may serve

Purpose

This legislation aims to expand and limit legislative terms in an attempt to reform state government. The 12 consecutive years provided by this amendment would allow elected officials to accrue seniority without remaining so long as to constrict the influx of new people and ideas into New York State Government.

Summary of provisions

This legislation would amend section 2 of article 3 of the constitution in relation to increasing the terms of office of members of the legislature to four years and limiting the terms of office as a member of the legislature any person may serve; proposing an amendment to section 1 of article 4 of the constitution, in relation to limiting the terms of office as governor or lieutenant governor any person may serve; and proposing an amendment to section 1 of article 5 of the constitution, in relation to limiting the terms of office as comptroller or attorney general any person may serve.

Justification

The people of New York State have continually called for reform of state government, and the expansion and limitation of terms would be an effective manner by which to bring about the desired changes. The two-year legislative terms for which the Constitution presently provides are not efficient, as members must constantly campaign. A four-year legislative term would allow lawmakers to concentrate more fully on that which they are elected to do instead of focusing on campaigning for reelection every two years. The three consecutive term limit for statewide positions would force a turnover of fresh ideas and officials within New York State Government. The rationale behind limiting the amount of terms to three is that twelve years is sufficient time to advocate for that legislation which is of particular importance to each elected official before allowing another individual twelve years to pursue his or her political agenda, as best to serve the constituents of each district.

This constant churning of the legislature would allow the issues and voices of more New Yorkers to be heard{ as well as trigger a sense of urgency to enact important policy concerns into law.

Prior legislative history

S.21 (Same as A.4145) (2010) - Held in Judiciary

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

Resolved (if the Assembly concur), That the foregoing amendments 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 of the constitution, be published for 3 months previous to the time of such election.