Bill > S02563

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how public service commissioners are selected, specifically by transitioning from an appointment process to an election process. Currently, most department heads and board members in New York are appointed by the governor with senate consent, but this amendment would require public service commissioners to be elected through a method that will be defined by future legislation. The bill mandates that the proposed amendment be referred to the first regular legislative session after the next general assembly election and be publicly published for three months prior to that election, following the state constitution's requirements for constitutional amendments. By making public service commissioners elected officials instead of appointed ones, the bill aims to increase democratic accountability and potentially provide more direct public input into the leadership of the public service department.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2563