Bill > A09021

This bill proposes an amendment to the New York State Constitution that clarifies and modernizes language regarding gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial succession and incapacity. Specifically, the bill removes outdated references to a governor being "absent from the state" and replaces gendered language like "his or her" with more neutral terms such as "the governor's" and "governor-elect's". The changes specify that if a governor is impeached or unable to discharge their duties, the lieutenant governor shall act as governor until the inability ceases or the term expires. Similarly, if both the governor and lieutenant governor are unable to serve, the temporary president of the senate will act as governor. The bill also provides that if the governor-elect fails to take the oath of office at the start of their term, the lieutenant governor-elect shall act as governor until the oath is taken. This amendment will be referred to the first regular legislative session after the next general election and must be published for three months prior to that election, in accordance with constitutional procedures for constitutional amendments.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9021