Bill > S05831

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to the New York State constitution that would restrict the governor's power to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons. Specifically, the bill prohibits the governor from granting a reprieve, commutation, or pardon to themselves or to any persons who were involved in furthering the governor's illegal or unlawful conduct. The existing constitutional language, which previously used gendered pronouns like "he or she" when referring to the governor, would be replaced with gender-neutral language. The bill maintains the governor's existing powers to grant pardons for most offenses, except in cases of treason and impeachment, and requires the governor to continue annually reporting to the legislature about each case of reprieve, commutation, or pardon. The proposed amendment would need to be referred to the first regular legislative session after the next general election of assembly members and be published for three months before that election, in accordance with the state constitution's amendment procedures.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5831