Proposes a constitutional amendment to divide the state into three autonomous regions; repealer

2025 Regular Session Introduced by George Borrello and 4 co-sponsors

Establish three autonomous regions by constitutional amendment, shifting powers and budgeting from the state to regional authorities, with a repealer of existing provisions.

OPINION REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

Basic details

Bill Number: S 3484

Title / Purpose: Constitutional amendment to divide the state into three autonomous regions; repealer

Status: Opinion referred to Judiciary

Introduced: January 27, 2025

Classification: Bill

Sponsors:

Primary: Pamela Helming
Co-sponsors: George Borrello, Dean Murray, Thomas F. O'Mara, Peter Oberacker

Related bills (prior-session and companion):

S 5416, S 4541, S 3093 (prior-session)
A 3778 (companion) (listed twice)

What the bill would do

Create a constitutional framework to reorganize the state into three autonomous regions.

Include a repealer provision, indicating the bill would remove or replace existing constitutional provisions to accommodate the new regional structure.

As a constitutional amendment, the measure would alter the foundational legal framework rather than create ordinary statute changes.

Key provisions and anticipated changes (as described)

Regional structure: The state would be divided into three autonomous regions. The bill would establish the basis, scope, and authorities of these regions, including how governance and decision-making powers are allocated between regional authorities and the state government.

Repealer element: The proposal would repeal existing constitutional or statutory provisions to align with the new three-region framework. The exact provisions repealed would be specified in the bill’s text.

Governance and powers (implied): While not detailed in the summary, such a constitutional amendment typically addresses regional powers over areas like budgeting, taxation, policing, education, and other state-local functions. The specific jurisdictions and the mechanism for regional governance would be defined in the full bill.

Affected parties and impacts

State government and administration: Reorganization of powers and responsibilities across three regions; potential changes in how services are delivered and funded.

Regions and localities: Regions would gain autonomous authority in defined domains, with implications for regional policy, resource allocation, and local governance.

Tax and budget considerations: Possible realignment of fiscal responsibilities between regional authorities and the state; potential changes to revenue sharing and regional budgeting.

Private sector and residents: Impacts would depend on how regional autonomy translates into policy differences, regulatory environments, and public services.

Procedural timeline and current posture

2025-01-27: Referred to Judiciary (initial action)

2025-01-28: Referred to Attorney General for Opinion (two entries)

2025-02-05: Opinion referred to Judiciary (two entries)

This sequence indicates the bill is in the early committee and legal-opinion phases, with standard review steps for a constitutional amendment.

Related and companion legislation

Related NYS or legislative actions include S 5416, S 4541, S 3093 (prior-session) and A 3778 (companion). The companion bill suggests parallel consideration in the assembly.

If you’d like, I can provide a brief comparison with the related bills or outline a potential outline of the regions and powers based on the bill text once available.

Bill