NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A9284
SPONSOR: Johns TITLE OF BILL:
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing amendments to
articles 3, 4, 6, and 19 of the constitution, in relation to creation of
a unicameral legislature
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Creates a unicameral legislature consisting of seventy-five senators
called the senate.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends Article 3 the State Constitution by eliminating the
State Assembly while enlarging the size of the State Senate to 75
members. The section makes necessary conforming changes to the legisla-
tive and redistricting processes as needed to reflect the establishment
of a unicameral legislative body.
Section 2 amends Article 4 of the State Constitution to make necessary
conforming changes to the powers and duties of the legislature and to
the veto over-ride process as needed to reflect a unicameral legislative
body.
Section 3 amends Article 6 of the State Constitution to reflect changes
to appointments to the Commission on Judicial Nominations, the Commis-
sion on Judicial Conduct, and to the impeachment process, made necessary
by the elimination of the State Assembly.
Section 4 amends Article 19 of the State Constitution to remove all
references to the Assembly as pertain to future amendments to the
Constitution and for future Constitutional Amendments
Section 5 includes provisions for ratifying the amendment
JUSTIFICATION:
By creating a unicameral legislature New York State would save fifty
percent of the current cost via administration, pensions, and salary. A
unicameral legislature would set an example on real reform, streamline
our state government, and end go nowhere bills that are not carried in
both houses.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately
