Bill > A02284

This bill proposes adding a new constitutional article establishing a recall process that would allow voters (electors) to remove elected state officials from office. The recall mechanism requires petition signers to gather signatures equal to 12% of the last vote for an office, with at least 1% of signatures coming from each of five counties. Once sufficient signatures are certified, the governor must call a recall election between 60 and 80 days later, with the option to consolidate the election with a regularly scheduled election under certain conditions. If a majority votes to recall, the officer is removed, and a new candidate can be elected by plurality vote, with the removed official barred from running. The recalled official would be reimbursed for personal election expenses if not successfully removed, and another recall cannot be initiated for six months. The bill also specifies that the legislature will determine procedural details for petition circulation and candidate nomination, and provides special provisions for recalling the governor or secretary of state by having the lieutenant governor or comptroller handle recall duties. Additionally, the bill leaves room for local governments to establish their own recall procedures, without disrupting existing local recall provisions.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2284