Provides for procedure in filling vacancies in the offices of comptroller and attorney-general.
Summary
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how vacancies in the offices of New York State comptroller and attorney general are filled. Under current language, those offices are elected only at the same time as the governor, and vacancies are filled by legislative provision until the next gubernatorial election. The bill would instead require that a vacancy be filled only until the next general election occurring at least three months after the vacancy arises, at which point a replacement would be elected to serve the remainder of the term.
The measure also updates the constitutional text to reflect gender-neutral language by replacing references to "him or her" with "the comptroller" and makes conforming edits to the vacancy-filling provisions. It does not alter the core duties of the comptroller, such as auditing state finances and overseeing certain accounting and taxation functions, but it does revise the timing and method for filling midterm vacancies in these two statewide offices.
Impact
If adopted, the amendment would change Article V of the New York Constitution by creating a more specific election-based process for filling vacancies in the comptroller and attorney general offices. Instead of allowing a vacancy to last until the next gubernatorial election, the bill would require a special election at the next general election that is at least three months after the vacancy occurs, with the winner serving the rest of the term. The bill would affect the election calendar, vacancy procedures, and the timing of succession for two major statewide executive offices, while leaving the substantive powers and duties of the comptroller largely unchanged.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears procedural and institutional rather than ideological, with no recorded committee debate or vote history provided. The overall tone is neutral and administrative, focused on clarifying vacancy-filling rules and aligning the constitution with modern drafting conventions. Because there are no transcripts or votes, there is no evidence of public support or opposition in the supplied materials.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the shift from filling vacancies only until the next gubernatorial election to requiring a special election at the next eligible general election. Supporters may view this as improving democratic legitimacy by letting voters choose replacements sooner, while opponents could argue it creates additional election costs or administrative complexity. A secondary issue is the constitutional cleanup language, though that appears largely noncontroversial and technical.
In district attorney, assistants and detectives, further providing for filling of vacancies; in general provisions relating to home rule and optional plan government, further providing for limitation on municipal powers; and, in general provisions common to optional plans, further providing for manner of filling vacancies in office.
In district attorney, assistants and detectives, further providing for filling of vacancies; in general provisions relating to home rule and optional plan government, further providing for limitation on municipal powers; and, in general provisions common to optional plans, further providing for manner of filling vacancies in office.
Relating to certain advisory entities and work groups under the jurisdiction of the comptroller of public accounts or on which the comptroller's office is represented and to the repeal or redesignation of certain of those entities.
Relating to the establishment and administration of the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for the purpose of investing in cryptocurrency and the investment authority of the comptroller of public accounts over the reserve and certain other state funds.
Relating to the sale of certain e-cigarettes in this state and a directory of e-cigarette manufacturers and their products; authorizing fees; authorizing administrative and civil penalties; creating a criminal offense.