Bill > S01589

This bill proposes an amendment to the New York State Constitution to establish a process for filling vacancies in the offices of comptroller and attorney general through special elections. Currently, these positions are elected alongside the governor and serve the same term, but there was no clear mechanism for filling vacancies mid-term. The proposed amendment would explicitly allow for special elections to be conducted if a vacancy occurs during the term of either the comptroller or attorney general. The bill maintains the existing qualifications for these positions, which require candidates to meet the same standards as those specified for governor. By enabling special elections, the amendment ensures that these important state leadership roles can be promptly filled if they become unexpectedly vacant, thus maintaining continuity of government operations. The bill also follows the standard constitutional amendment process, which requires referral to the first regular legislative session after the next general election and publication for three months prior to that election, allowing voters to be informed about the proposed change.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1589