What's happening
This bill proposes a statewide referendum asking voters if they support dividing New York into two separate states.
Why it matters
Signals Widespread Discontent or Division. By putting the question of splitting New York into two states to a public vote, the bill highlights significant regional or political tensions within the state, suggesting that a substantial portion of the population may feel underrepresented or dissatisfied with current governance.
Could Influence Future Political Debates and Policy. Regardless of the outcome, the referendum results would provide lawmakers, advocacy groups, and the public with concrete data on the level of support for such a dramatic change, likely shaping future legislative agendas and discussions about state governance.
Raises Complex Legal and Practical Issues. Even if voters support the split, dividing a state requires federal approval and would involve complicated legal, financial, and logistical challenges—such as allocating resources, debts, and infrastructure—making this referendum an important symbolic step rather than a direct mechanism for change.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Split New York State Vote
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
10 Co-sponsors
3 Multi-sponsors
History
- Held for consideration in local governments
- Referred to local governments
- Print number 1687a
- Amend and recommit to local governments
- Referred to local governments
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.
Vote on Splitting New York
In Senate Committee · Elections · Sponsor Joseph E. Robach
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1687--A
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 16, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. HAWLEY, GIGLIO, FRIEND, CROUCH, PALMESANO, DiPIE- TRO, BRABENEC, MANKTELOW -- read once and referred to the Committee on Local Governments -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT to provide for a referendum on the question "Do you support the division of New York into two separate states?"; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. There shall be submitted to the voters of the state at a general election held on or before December 31, 2020 the following question: "Do you support the division of New York into two separate states?"
§ 2. Such question shall be submitted in the manner provided in the election law, and the provisions of such law, not inconsistent with this act, relating to the submission of and to the taking, counting and returning of the vote and canvassing the results upon a question submitted pursuant to law to the voters of the state shall apply to the question herein required to be submitted. The ballots shall be in such form as prescribed by such law. When the board of elections shall have completed its canvass of the results of the vote upon such question, it shall forthwith certify the results of the vote upon such question to the secretary of the senate and clerk of the assembly.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire January 1, 2021 when upon such date the provisions of this act shall be deemed repealed.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02096-03-9
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.