Bill > A02268

This bill proposes to hold a referendum (a statewide vote) for New York voters to decide whether they support dividing New York into two separate states. Specifically, the bill mandates that at a general election held on or before December 31, 2026, voters will be asked to vote on the question: "Do you support the division of New York into two separate states?" The referendum will follow standard election law procedures for submitting, counting, and reporting votes, with the results to be certified by the board of elections to the senate secretary and assembly clerk. The bill is time-limited, taking effect immediately and automatically expiring on January 1, 2027, at which point the legal provisions authorizing the referendum will be considered repealed. This unique proposal would allow New York residents to directly express their opinion on a potential state division, though the actual implementation of such a division would likely require additional legal and constitutional processes beyond this referendum.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2268