What's happening
This bill creates a commission to study forming the state of Long Island from Nassau and Suffolk counties and authorizes a non-binding referendum.
Why it matters
Potential for Major Political Change. The commission would formally study splitting Nassau and Suffolk from New York to form a new state, an action that could significantly alter political representation, governance, and resource allocation for residents.
Economic Impact Analysis. The study is prompted by concerns about fiscal fairness—Long Island reportedly pays more in state taxes than it receives in aid. The commission's work could spotlight whether an independent state would benefit or harm the region financially.
Local Control and Representation. By involving local executives and legislators in the commission, the process emphasizes local interests and perspectives, giving residents of Nassau and Suffolk direct input on their political future.
Public Engagement and Legitimacy. The required non-binding referendum ensures that public opinion is measured before any further action, potentially increasing the legitimacy of subsequent debates about statehood—even though the vote itself would not have legal force.
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Study Long Island Statehood
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to local government
- Referred to local government
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.
Study Long Island Statehood
In Assembly Committee · Governmental Operations · Sponsor Fred Thiele
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
S. 3175 A. 2398
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
SENATE - ASSEMBLY
January 20, 2017
IN SENATE -- Introduced by Sen. LAVALLE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Local Government
IN ASSEMBLY -- Introduced by M. of A. THIELE, GARBARINO, PALUMBO, SALA- DINO -- read once and referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations
AN ACT in relation to establishing a bi-county commission in the counties of Nassau and Suffolk to study the feasibility of establishing the state of Long Island
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Legislative findings: Nassau and Suffolk counties comprise an area of 2,826 square miles, larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware. The combined population of the two counties is 2.832 million which is greater than the population of 17 states. For the years 2002-2004, Long Island paid 8.124 billion dollars in state taxes yet only 5.2 billion dollars was returned in direct local aid, tuition assistance, highway aid, pension payments, lottery money, metropolitan transportation authority subsidies and Medicaid payments. For many years the question of forming the state of Long Island has been discussed in public and academic forums. The issue should be investigated, a report prepared and referendum held in Nassau and Suffolk counties so the citizens may be heard.
§ 2. There is hereby established a Nassau and Suffolk bi-county commission to study the feasibility of forming the state of Long Island to consist of the counties of Nassau and Suffolk. Such commission shall be comprised of 24 members, 12 of whom shall reside in the county of Nassau and 12 of whom shall reside in the county of Suffolk. The county executive of each county shall serve on the commission as co-chairs. Of the remaining 22 members, 5 members from each county shall be appointed
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04090-01-7
S. 3175 2 A. 2398
by the county executive of the county in which such county executive serves; 3 members from each county shall be appointed by the majority leader of the county legislature from the county in which such majority leader serves, and 3 members from each county shall be appointed by the minority leader of the county legislature from the county in which such minority leader serves. Members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Members of the commission shall serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority. Vacancies on the commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
§ 3. The study authorized by section two of this act shall be completed and submitted to the Nassau county legislature and the Suffolk county legislature on or before July 1, 2019.
§ 4. At the general election to be held November 5, 2019, the county of Nassau and the county of Suffolk shall be submitted to the voters of such counties, a referendum concerning whether or not the state of Long Island shall be formed. Such referendum shall be deemed approved if it is approved by a majority of the voters voting on such referendum in each county, provided however that the approval of such referendum shall not be binding upon the county of Nassau or the county of Suffolk.
§ 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act in relation to establishing a bi-county commission in the counties of Nassau and Suffolk to study the feasibility of establishing the state of Long Island
Purpose
Establishes a bi-county commission in the counties of Nassau and Suffolk to study the feasibility of establishing the state of Long island.
Summary of provisions
To create a 24 member Nassau/Suffolk bi-county commission chaired by the respective county executives for the purpose of conducting a feasibility study on the establishment of a state of Long Island to be completed on or before July, 1, 2019 and submitting the question of statehood to the Nassau/Suffolk electors in a non binding referendum at the November 7, 2019 election.
Justification
The issue of creating the State of Long Island in Nassau and Suffolk counties has long been a topic of debate. This bill would create a bi-county commission to study and report to the people who can then participate in a non binding referendum. This issue requires full participation of the citizens for Nassau and Suffolk on whether any process for statehood should be initiated. This bill will allow for a full discussion of the myriad of issues involved in such endeavor and allow the citizens of the two counties to analyze the report and express their opinion on statehood in a non binding referendum.
Legislative history
2015-16 S.2362A/A.3116A; 2013-14 S.4398/A.6391
Fiscal implications
To be determined.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.