Bill > S01584

This bill proposes adding a new constitutional article about recall, which would empower voters (electors) to remove elected state officials from office through a specific process. Under the proposed amendment, recall would be initiated by filing a petition with the secretary of state alleging a reason for removal, with no judicial review of the petition's reasoning. For statewide officers, petition signers must represent at least 12% of the last vote for that office, including signatures from at least five counties. If sufficient signatures are gathered within 160 days, the governor must call a recall election between 60 and 80 days after certification, with potential consolidation with a regularly scheduled election. If a majority votes to recall, the officer is removed, and a new candidate (who cannot be the recalled official) can be elected by plurality. The bill also stipulates that a successfully defended official cannot face another recall for six months and will be reimbursed for legitimate election expenses. Additionally, the legislature would be responsible for establishing detailed procedures for recall petitions and elections, and would have the power to determine recall processes for local officers. The proposed constitutional amendment would require referral to the next legislative session and publication for three months before that session.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1584