Bill > S01298

This bill modifies the appointment process for state board positions by introducing a mandatory 60-day background check period before a nominee can be officially appointed. Specifically, the bill requires that when a vacancy occurs in various state positions (such as those appointed by the governor, legislature, or for specific offices like comptroller or attorney-general), the legislature must contract with an independent private investigator to conduct a background investigation on the nominee. Once a nominee is named, they will be submitted to the journal clerk, who will forward the nomination to the appropriate committee. The private investigator must complete their investigation within 30 days and submit a report to the committee and all legislative members. The committee and legislative members will then have an additional 30 days to review the report, raise objections, or hold hearings before the nominee can be confirmed. This new process aims to enhance transparency and provide more thorough vetting of potential appointees to state board positions by ensuring a comprehensive background check is conducted before final confirmation.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1298