What's happening
This bill imposes term limits of twelve years for members of the New York State Senate and Assembly.
Why it matters
Limits long-term political entrenchment. By capping service at twelve years in either chamber, the bill aims to reduce the accumulation of power by career politicians and encourage legislative turnover.
Potential for fresh perspectives. Term limits could lead to more frequent introduction of new legislators, potentially bringing innovative ideas and different viewpoints into the lawmaking process.
Impacts on legislative experience. Restricting tenure may result in fewer lawmakers with deep institutional knowledge, possibly shifting more influence to unelected staff or lobbyists who remain longer.
Changes to political strategy and succession. Lawmakers might adjust their career planning, with increased competition for seats and more focus on short-term agendas, which could affect legislative priorities and continuity.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Limit Lawmakers’ Terms
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to investigations and government operations
- Referred to investigations and government 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.
Limit Lawmakers’ Time Served
In Assembly Committee · Governmental Operations · Sponsor Mark C. Johns
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
887
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 5, 2017
Introduced by Sens. AMEDORE, FUNKE, MURPHY -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations
AN ACT to amend the legislative law, in relation to imposing term limits for members of the assembly and senate of the state of New York
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The legislative law is amended by adding a new section 2-a to read as follows:
§ 2-a. Legislative term limits. Members of the legislature shall not serve more than six two-year terms in either the senate or the assembly. In no event may a legislator serve more than twelve years in either the senate or assembly.
§ 2. This act shall take effect January 1, 2020.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03786-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the legislative law, in relation to imposing term limits for members of the assembly and senate of the state of New York
Purpose
Imposes term limits for members of the assembly and senate of New York.
Summary of provisions
Section 1: Adding a new section 2-a. Section 2: Establishes the effective date.
Justification
It is important that members of the legislature stay in touch with their constituent's issues and needs rather than promoting policies that will help to extend their tenure in the legislature. By establishing term limits it prevents legislative members from becoming a 'career politician' and losing touch with the needs of their district.
Legislative history
2015/16- S3808A- referred to Investigations and Government Operations.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect January 1, 2020.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.