New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A03778

Introduced
1/30/25  
Refer
1/30/25  
Refer
2/7/25  
Refer
1/7/26  

Caption

Proposes a constitutional amendment to divide the state into three autonomous regions; the New Amsterdam Region, the New York Region and the Montauk Region; provides regional governors and regional legislators; provides only for a state sales tax; divides various departments and agencies; provides for separate court systems and prison systems.

Summary

Bill A03778 proposes a significant constitutional amendment to divide New York State into three autonomous regions: the New Amsterdam Region, the New York Region, and the Montauk Region. Each region would have its own legislative body, consisting of a Regional Senate and Assembly, and would be governed by a Regional Governor. The bill outlines the structure and powers of these regional governments, including the ability to create laws, manage budgets, and oversee local governance. It also includes provisions for the formation of new towns, amendments to fiscal management, and the establishment of separate court systems for each region.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would fundamentally alter the governance structure of New York State by decentralizing power from the state level to three distinct regional governments. This would lead to the repeal of certain state constitutional provisions and the establishment of new regional laws that would supersede existing state laws in many areas. The bill also limits the state’s ability to impose taxes, allowing only a state sales tax, and would require significant administrative changes, including the division of state departments and agencies among the regions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A03778 appears to be mixed, with some support evident in the Assembly Local Governments Committee, which voted 13-5 to hold the bill for consideration. However, the complexity and potential implications of dividing the state into regions may raise concerns among legislators and constituents regarding governance, resource allocation, and regional autonomy.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the feasibility of dividing the state into three autonomous regions, the potential for increased bureaucracy, and concerns about equitable resource distribution among the regions. Some legislators may fear that such a division could lead to inefficiencies or exacerbate existing disparities between urban and rural areas. Additionally, the bill's impact on local governance and the ability of regions to manage their own affairs without state oversight is likely to be a significant topic of debate.

Companion Bills

NY S03484

Same As Proposes a constitutional amendment to divide the state into three autonomous regions; the New Amsterdam Region, the New York Region and the Montauk Region; provides regional governors and regional legislators; provides only for a state sales tax; divides various departments and agencies; provides for separate court systems and prison systems.

Previously Filed As

NY S03093

Proposes a constitutional amendment to divide the state into three autonomous regions; the New Amsterdam Region, the New York Region and the Montauk Region; provides regional governors and regional legislators; provides only for a state sales tax; divides various departments and agencies; provides for separate court systems and prison systems.

NY S03484

Proposes a constitutional amendment to divide the state into three autonomous regions; the New Amsterdam Region, the New York Region and the Montauk Region; provides regional governors and regional legislators; provides only for a state sales tax; divides various departments and agencies; provides for separate court systems and prison systems.

NY HF1790

Regional library systems funding provided, and money appropriated.

NY HB1254

Provides relative to the New Orleans Regional Business Park

NY HB484

Provides relative to the New Orleans Regional Business Park

NY AB1275

Regional housing needs: regional transportation plan.

NY HB588

Provides relative to the Regional Transit Authority

NY S1456

Relative to voting on regional planning board proposed regional agreements

NY S3005

Relative to voting on regional planning board proposed regional agreements

NY H538

Regarding school regionalization

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