Relates to the selection of judges to Family Court within the City of New York.
Summary
A07221 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would change how Family Court judges in New York City are selected. Under current constitutional language, the bill would add Family Court judges to the provision governing citywide courts in New York City and require that these judges be residents of the city and be chosen for 10-year terms by the electors of the counties within the city, from districts established by law.
The measure is narrowly focused on New York City and would align Family Court judicial selection with the elective method used for citywide civil court judges, rather than leaving Family Court judges outside that specific constitutional description. Because it is a constitutional amendment, it would not take effect immediately; it would need to be approved through the constitutional amendment process, including referral to a later legislative session and publication before voter consideration.
Impact
If adopted, the amendment would alter Article 6 of the New York Constitution to expressly provide for the selection of Family Court judges in New York City by election rather than by another method that may otherwise apply under existing law. It would affect the structure of judicial selection in the city, the qualifications and terms of Family Court judges, and the electoral districts used for those judges. The change would apply only within the City of New York and would not directly affect Family Court judges elsewhere in the state.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, vote tally, or recorded opposition or support, so there is no documented debate to gauge sentiment. Based on the bill text alone, the proposal appears administrative and structural rather than controversial on its face, but the absence of voting history means support levels cannot be determined from the provided materials.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential issues, based on the substance of the proposal, could include whether Family Court judges in New York City should be elected rather than selected through another process, and whether the citywide electoral district structure is the best way to choose judges who handle family-related matters. However, no named stakeholders or objections are recorded here.
Increases the number of family court judges in the city of New York to seventy-two; provides for two additional family court judges for each of Westchester and Rockland counties and an additional family court judge for each of Erie and Niagara counties.
Increases the number of family court judges in the city of New York to seventy-two; provides for two additional family court judges for each of Westchester and Rockland counties and an additional family court judge for each of Erie and Niagara counties.