New York Assembly Bill A03377

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/25
• Refer: 1/27/25
• Refer: 2/7/25
• Refer: 1/7/26
• Refer: 1/30/26

Caption

Removes constitutional provision that the lieutenant-governor shall act as governor when the governor is absent from the state; provides likewise for the case in which the lieutenant-governor is absent from the state and the case in which the temporary president of the senate is absent from the state.

Summary

Bill A03377 proposes an amendment to the New York State Constitution regarding the succession of the governorship. Specifically, it removes the provision that allows the lieutenant-governor to act as governor when the governor is absent from the state. The bill also addresses the scenario in which both the governor and lieutenant-governor are unable to perform their duties, stipulating that the temporary president of the senate will assume the role of governor under such circumstances. Furthermore, it clarifies the succession process if the temporary president of the senate is also absent.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the current constitutional framework governing the succession of the governorship in New York. It would eliminate the provision that allows the lieutenant-governor to step in when the governor is out of state, potentially leading to a situation where there is no acting governor during such absences. This change could affect the continuity of governance and decision-making processes during times when the governor is unavailable.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A03377 appears to be mixed, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about the implications of removing the lieutenant-governor's ability to act during the governor's absence. Others may support the bill as a necessary update to the state's constitutional provisions, reflecting a desire for clarity in the line of succession. However, without recorded votes or detailed committee discussions, the overall sentiment remains unclear.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential risks associated with having no designated acting governor when the governor is absent. Critics of the bill argue that this could lead to governance challenges, especially in times of crisis. Proponents may argue that the amendment streamlines the succession process and removes outdated provisions. The debate seems to center around the balance between ensuring continuity of leadership and modernizing constitutional language.