What's happening
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the governor to appoint a new lieutenant governor, with legislative approval, when that office becomes vacant.
Why it matters
Clarifies and streamlines the process for replacing a vacant lieutenant governor. currently, the state constitution does not specify how to fill the office if it becomes vacant, potentially leading to political uncertainty or legal disputes.
Adds legislative oversight by requiring both the Senate and Assembly to confirm the governor’s appointee. this check prevents unilateral appointments and ensures broader political consensus.
Establishes defined timeframes. (30 days for gubernatorial appointment and 30 days for legislative confirmation), reducing the period during which the office is unfilled and helping maintain continuity of executive leadership.
Could influence succession dynamics. since the lieutenant governor is next in line for governor, the process for filling a vacancy can have significant implications for state government stability and political maneuvering.
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Headline styles
Governor Picks Next Lt. Governor
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
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History
- Held for consideration in governmental operations
- Opinion referred to judiciary
- To attorney-general for opinion
- Referred to governmental operations
- Opinion referred to judiciary
- To attorney-general for opinion
- Referred to governmental operations
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Governor Picks New Lieutenant Governor
In Senate Committee · Judiciary · Sponsor Joseph A. Griffo
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2049
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 17, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. SCHIMMINGER -- read once and referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment to article 4 of the constitution, in relation to the filling of vacancies in the office of lieutenant-governor
Section 1. Resolved (if the Senate concur), That section 6 of article 4 of the constitution be amended by adding a new fourth undesignated paragraph to read as follows:
In case of vacancy in the office of lieutenant-governor alone, due to death, resignation, removal from office, or ascension to governor, the office of lieutenant-governor shall be filled for the remainder of the term by appointment of the governor within thirty days of such vacancy, death, resignation, removal from office, or ascension, subject to confirmation by a majority vote in the senate and a majority vote in the assembly to be held within thirty days of such appointment.
§ 2. Resolved (if the Senate 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.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD89050-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.