New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05695

Introduced
2/28/25  
Refer
2/28/25  

Caption

Provides the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly the ability to appoint four members each of the state university of New York's board of trustees; reduces the members of such board the governor appoints to seven.

Summary

Bill S05695 proposes amendments to the education law regarding the composition of the board of trustees for the State University of New York (SUNY). Specifically, it allows the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly to each appoint four members to the board, while reducing the number of members appointed by the governor from fifteen to seven. This change aims to enhance legislative oversight and representation on the board, reflecting a shift towards a more balanced appointment process among the state's political leadership.

Impact

The bill's impact on state laws includes a significant restructuring of the appointment process for the SUNY board of trustees. By allowing legislative leaders to appoint members, it alters the previous balance of power that favored the governor's appointments. This could lead to a more politically diverse board that may influence the direction of higher education policy in New York State, potentially affecting funding, governance, and institutional priorities within the SUNY system.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S05695 appears to be mixed based on discussions and the lack of voting history. Supporters argue that it promotes greater accountability and representation in higher education governance, while opponents may express concerns about politicizing the board and diminishing the governor's role in educational oversight. The absence of recorded votes suggests that the bill may still be under consideration or facing contention among lawmakers.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from some legislators about the implications of reducing the governor's influence over the board and the potential for increased political maneuvering in appointments. Supporters of the bill, primarily from the legislative branch, argue that it democratizes the appointment process, while some executive branch advocates may view it as a threat to effective governance and oversight of the university system.

Companion Bills

NY A07732

Same As Provides the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly the ability to appoint four members each of the state university of New York's board of trustees; reduces the members of such board the governor appoints to seven.

Previously Filed As

NY A07732

Provides the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly the ability to appoint four members each of the state university of New York's board of trustees; reduces the members of such board the governor appoints to seven.

NY A10484

Relates to the membership of the board of trustees of the state university of New York; reduces the number of trustees appointed by the governor from fifteen to ten; adds one trustee appointment by the speaker of the assembly, one by the temporary president of the senate, one by a majority vote of SUNY and CUNY staff, and two by a majority vote of SUNY alumni.

NY S01255

Relates to the membership of the board of trustees of the state university of New York; reduces the number of trustees appointed by the governor from fifteen to ten; adds one trustee appointment by the speaker of the assembly, one by the temporary president of the senate, one by a majority vote of SUNY and CUNY staff, and two by a majority vote of SUNY alumni.

NY S01234

Relates to the membership of the board of trustees of the state university of New York; reduces the number of trustees appointed by the governor from fifteen to ten; adds one trustee appointment by the speaker of the assembly, one by the temporary president of the senate, one by a majority vote of SUNY and CUNY staff, and two by a majority vote of SUNY alumni.

NY A10204

Adds members to the board of trustees of the state university of New York who represent the interests of community colleges as full voting members of the board of trustees; provides that the local legislative body or board of the county in which a community college is located may appoint a trustee in the event that the governor fails to appoint such trustee within 180 days of a vacancy on a board of trustees of a community college.

NY S09218

Adds members to the board of trustees of the state university of New York who represent the interests of community colleges as full voting members of the board of trustees; provides that the local legislative body or board of the county in which a community college is located may appoint a trustee in the event that the governor fails to appoint such trustee within 180 days of a vacancy on a board of trustees of a community college.

NY SB22

Boards and commissions; appointment of members revised

NY AB958

Trustees of the California State University: gubernatorial and faculty appointees.

NY HB2145

Substitute for HB 2145 by Committee on Local Government - Establishing the Butler county fair board to consist of 15 members, providing for the appointment of members to such board and allowing up to five members of such board to be appointed from the county at large.

NY SB259

University of South Alabama; membership of Board of Trustees revised, meetings of the board further provided for

Similar Bills

NY A10484

Relates to the membership of the board of trustees of the state university of New York; reduces the number of trustees appointed by the governor from fifteen to ten; adds one trustee appointment by the speaker of the assembly, one by the temporary president of the senate, one by a majority vote of SUNY and CUNY staff, and two by a majority vote of SUNY alumni.

NY S09218

Adds members to the board of trustees of the state university of New York who represent the interests of community colleges as full voting members of the board of trustees; provides that the local legislative body or board of the county in which a community college is located may appoint a trustee in the event that the governor fails to appoint such trustee within 180 days of a vacancy on a board of trustees of a community college.

NY A10204

Adds members to the board of trustees of the state university of New York who represent the interests of community colleges as full voting members of the board of trustees; provides that the local legislative body or board of the county in which a community college is located may appoint a trustee in the event that the governor fails to appoint such trustee within 180 days of a vacancy on a board of trustees of a community college.

NY A11367

Extends provisions of the property/casualty insurance availability act and the authority of the New York property insurance underwriting association

NY A11535

Relates to personal income taxes in the city of New York

NY S06843

Extends the authority of the county of Nassau to impose hotel and motel taxes; extends the expiration of certain provisions relating to a surcharge on tickets to places of entertainment in such county, a charge for copying and searching for police accident reports, and receipt of service charges by the Nassau county traffic and parking violations agency; extends the authority of Nassau County to impose additional sales and compensating use taxes and local government assistance programs in Nassau County.

NY A10720

Requires state university councils to include the institution's faculty and professional staff.

MA H2994

Relative to veterans retirement and pensions