Concurrent resolution to amend the constitution to increase the length of the term of office and imposing term limits for members of the legislature

6 Co-sponsors

• George Amedore
• Rich Funke
• Kathleen A. Marchione
• Terrence P. Murphy
• Thomas F. O'Mara
• Susan Serino

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 length of the term of office and imposing term limits for members of the legislature

Purpose or general idea of bill

This legislation would increase the length of term of office for members of the legislature from two years to four years and would limit members of the legislature from serving more than three consecutive four year terms.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 2 Article 3 of the constitution is amended to increase the length of term of office for members of the legislature from two years to four years and would limit members of the legislature from serving more than three consecutive four year terms.

Section 2 states that the foregoing amendment be referred to the first regular legislative session after the next succeeding general election of members of the assembly and be published three months previous to the time of such election.

Justification

In the past few months there have been arrests and inquiries into several public elected officials. Accordingly New York State needs to undergo drastic election reform to prevent the repetition of such events. This legislation would increase the length of the term of office from four years to two years. Such a term increase would allow legislators to focus more intently on serving the needs of constituents rather than the upcoming election cycle. The second section of this legislation would limit the terms of members of the legislators to three consecutive four year terms (to twelve years total). A limit such as this one would benefit the legislature by preventing members from becoming "career politicians" - members who serve in the legislature endlessly and who may become out of touch with their constituents by promoting policies beneficial to their tenure in office rather than constituent needs and desires. A overall term limit would also decrease the emphasis on elections for members of the legislature by maintaining a set number of allowed years, and therefore upcoming elections, to be served.

Prior legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.