Bill > S02342

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that changes how vacancies in the offices of comptroller and attorney-general are filled in New York State. Currently, the legislature is responsible for filling such vacancies, but under the proposed change, the governor would have the power to directly appoint a person to temporarily fill these roles. Specifically, if a vacancy occurs during a term (other than by natural expiration), the governor can appoint someone to execute the duties of the comptroller or attorney-general, and that appointee would serve until the next general election. If the next general election does not coincide with a gubernatorial election, a special election would be held to fill the remainder of the term. The bill maintains the existing constitutional requirements about the qualifications and duties of these offices, including the comptroller's responsibilities for auditing state finances and accounts. The proposed amendment would need to be referred to the next legislative session after the next general assembly election and published for three months prior to that election, following the standard process for constitutional amendments in New York.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2342