Relates to increasing the terms of office of members of the legislature to four years and prohibiting legislators from receiving outside income from active employment

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 prohibiting legislators from receiving outside income from active employment

Purpose of bill

To increase the terms of office of members of the legislature to four years and prohibit legislators from receiving outside income from active employment.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Amends Section 2 of Article 3 of the Constitution to increase the terms of office of members of the legislature from two to four years.

Section 2. Amends Article 3 of the Constitution by adding a new Section 6-a which prohibits outside income from active employment for members of the legislature.

Section 3. Effective date.

Justification

Numerous government reform organizations throughout New York state have called for limiting outside income for members of the legislature in order to restrict the potential for conflicts of interest and unethical behavior by legislators who are seeking to enrich themselves. This constitutional amendment proposes to address this concern by banning outside income from active employment for members of the legislature, while providing additional stability for legislators by extending their term of office to four years.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

None.

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.