Bill > S07812

This bill establishes a clear and detailed line of succession for the New York state governor in cases where the governor is impeached or unable to perform their duties, and the lieutenant governor, senate president, and assembly speaker are also unable to serve. The bill creates a specific hierarchy of state officials who can act as governor, starting with the attorney general and continuing through various commissioners and state officials. If an official acts as governor, they must generally vacate their existing position, though during an impeachment or incapacity scenario, they have a 60-day period where they can serve as acting governor without immediately resigning their original role. Officials on the list can decline to serve, in which case the next eligible person on the list would step in. The acting governor would have full gubernatorial powers and responsibilities, serving until a new governor is elected or the original governor is acquitted or able to return to duty. The bill also repeals a previous law related to state emergency succession and is designed to take effect concurrently with a related constitutional amendment about gubernatorial succession.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7812