Bill > A05826

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish new procedures for filling vacancies in the office of lieutenant-governor and create an extended order of succession for the governor's office. Specifically, if the lieutenant-governor position becomes vacant due to death, resignation, removal, or ascension to governor, the governor can appoint a replacement within 45 days, who must then be confirmed by majority votes in both the state senate and assembly within 45 days of the appointment. If the first nominee is not approved, the governor must submit a new nomination within 30 days, which must be confirmed within 30 days. The bill also establishes a clear line of succession beyond the lieutenant-governor: if the speaker of the assembly is unable to serve as acting governor, the comptroller would take over; if the comptroller cannot serve, the attorney general would assume the role; and if the attorney general is unavailable, the secretary of state would become acting governor. The proposed amendment would be referred to the first regular legislative session after the next general election and published for three months prior to that election, in accordance with constitutional procedures for amendments.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5826