Bill > A09022

This bill establishes a clear and detailed line of succession for the office of governor in New York State when the governor is impeached, unable to perform duties, or the office is vacant. If the lieutenant governor, senate president, and assembly speaker are also unable to serve, the bill specifies a specific order of officials who can act as governor, starting with the attorney general and continuing through other state officials like the comptroller, transportation commissioner, health commissioner, financial services commissioner, secretary of state, labor commissioner, and agriculture commissioner. To be eligible, these officials must meet constitutional requirements and have been either confirmed by the senate or elected to lead their department. An official acting as governor must vacate their original position, with a special provision allowing them to temporarily retain their original role for up to 60 consecutive days during an impeachment or incapacity situation. The bill also allows officials to decline to act as governor, in which case the next eligible official on the list would step in. Any official serving as acting governor would have full gubernatorial powers and responsibilities. Additionally, the bill repeals a previous law related to state emergency governance, and will take effect simultaneously with a related constitutional amendment.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9022