Bill > S01697

This bill establishes a new nonpartisan Division of Research and Analysis within the legislative library, designed to provide independent and objective research support to members of both houses of the New York State Legislature. The division will be led by a director appointed jointly by the Speaker of the Assembly and the Senate Majority Leader, selected from a list of nominees compiled by a committee of university presidents. The division's primary responsibilities include preparing confidential research memoranda for individual legislators upon request, creating public informational materials on legislative issues, and providing unbiased analysis to support the lawmaking process. Key provisions specify that staffing decisions will be made solely on merit without political consideration, and that the director must prepare an annual report detailing the division's activities. The goal is to empower legislators by providing them with trustworthy, independent information to help them consider the best interests of the state. The new division will operate with maximum research and administrative independence, ensuring that its work remains impartial and focused on supporting the legislative process effectively.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1697