New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A11321

Introduced
5/11/26  
Refer
5/11/26  
Report Pass
5/19/26  
Refer
5/19/26  
Report Pass
5/20/26  
Engrossed
5/28/26  
Refer
5/28/26  

Caption

Removes residency requirements for Washington county deputy county attorneys

Summary

This bill amends the New York Public Officers Law to create a special residency rule for the office of deputy county attorney in Washington County. Under current law, many local public officers must reside in the political subdivision where they serve. The bill would allow a person to serve as Washington County deputy county attorney if they live either in Washington County or in an adjoining county within New York State. The measure is narrowly targeted and does not change the residency rules for deputy county attorneys in other counties, unless another law already provides an exception. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Impact

The bill would modify state public officer residency requirements by adding a Washington County-specific exception to Public Officers Law section 3. For Washington County, the deputy county attorney position could be filled by a resident of a neighboring county, expanding the potential applicant pool. The law would leave existing residency requirements intact for similar offices elsewhere in the state, preserving the general rule unless another statute creates an exception.

Sentiment

The available record suggests the bill was treated as a local, noncontroversial administrative measure. There are no committee transcripts or recorded votes showing opposition, and the bill ultimately passed the Senate. The absence of documented debate indicates the measure likely had broad procedural support and limited public controversy.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. The only likely policy issue is whether relaxing residency requirements could improve recruitment and hiring flexibility for Washington County while reducing the expectation that local legal officers live within the county itself. Because the exception is limited to Washington County and adjoining counties, any concern would be localized rather than statewide.

Companion Bills

NY S10162

Same As Removes residency requirements for Washington county deputy county attorneys, provided that they live in Washington county or an adjoining county within the state of New York.

Previously Filed As

NY S10162

Removes residency requirements for Washington county deputy county attorneys, provided that they live in Washington county or an adjoining county within the state of New York.

NY S09248

Expands the residency requirement for the village clerk, deputy village clerk, village treasurer, and deputy village treasurer of the village of Washingtonville such that such person need not be a resident of such village, but must be a resident in the county in which such village is located or an adjoining county within the state of New York.

NY A10489

Expands the residency requirement for the village clerk, deputy village clerk, village treasurer, and deputy village treasurer of the village of Washingtonville such that such person need not be a resident of such village, but must be a resident in the county in which such village is located or an adjoining county within the state of New York.

NY S09387

Removes residency requirements for persons holding the office of assistant district attorney for the county of Ulster; provides that a person holding such office may reside in Ulster county or an adjoining county within the state.

NY A10405

Removes residency requirements for persons holding the office of assistant district attorney for the county of Ulster; provides that a person holding such office may reside in Ulster county or an adjoining county within the state.

NY S07801

Waives the residency requirement for the office of Putnam county attorney.

NY A08311

Waives the residency requirement for the office of Putnam county attorney.

NY HF492

A bill for an act concerning the salaries of county deputy sheriffs, assistant county attorneys, and other county deputy officers.

NY S2496

Permits counties to establish county-municipal courts with limited, countywide jurisdiction.

NY A2979

Permits counties to establish county-municipal courts with limited, countywide jurisdiction.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.