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Bill

A 2268

Provides for a referendum on the question "Do you support the division of New York into two separate states"

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe DeStefano and 8 co-sponsors

Authorizes a statewide referendum asking New York voters whether the state should be divided into two separate states, affecting governance and representation.

HELD FOR CONSIDERATION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
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Bill Summary · A 2268

Summary: Bill A 2268 — Referendum on Division of New York into Two States

Overview

Bill A 2268 would provide for a statewide referendum asking voters whether New York should be divided into two separate states. Introduced January 16, 2025, the measure is currently “Held for Consideration in Local Governments,” indicating committee review is ongoing in the Assembly.

Purpose and Intent

  • The central aim of the bill is to place a public question before voters: “Do you support the division of New York into two separate states?”
  • By authorizing a referendum, the bill seeks to determine whether a constitutional change (to create two states within the current territory) has public support. The text available does not specify the mechanics of how the referendum would be scheduled or implemented, but the measure is framed around obtaining crucial voter input on this division.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the bill’s description)

  • Referendum Initiative: Require a statewide ballot question on whether New York should be divided into two states.
  • Question Framing: The referendum question is explicitly stated in the bill’s title and description.
  • Procedural Path: The bill’s status shows it has moved from being referred to Local Governments (2025-01-16) to being held for consideration (2025-05-20). No further procedural milestones are provided in the available information.
  • No additional fiscal or regulatory provisions are described in the provided material.

Who Would be Affected

  • Voters in New York State, who would decide the referendum.
  • State and local governments, which would implement any ballot-related procedures if the bill advances.
  • Political subdivisions and stakeholders interested in the governance and potential reorganization of the state’s territorial structure.

Sponsorship

  • Primary sponsor: Stephen Hawley
  • Cosponsors: John Lemondes, Brian Manktelow, Jeff Gallahan, Chris Tague, David DiPietro, Joe DeStefano, Jodi Giglio, Andrew Molitor
  • The bill has related companion and prior-session bills (e.g., S 3427; several A-series predecessors such as A 4167, A 391, A 1964, A 8213, A 1615, A 1687, A 5591, A 1978).

Legislative History and Status

  • Introduced: January 16, 2025
  • Referred to Local Governments: January 16, 2025
  • Held for Consideration in Local Governments: May 20, 2025 (listed twice in the legislative actions)
  • The bill’s status suggests it has not yet advanced to passage or a floor vote.

Related Legislation

  • Companion and related measures exist in both current and prior sessions (e.g., S 3427; multiple Assembly counterparts noted as prior-session bills). These reflect ongoing interest in addressing a potential division of the state through legislative action.

Potential Implications and Considerations

  • Constitutional and legal implications of dividing a state require more than a referendum; would typically involve constitutional amendments and complex intergovernmental arrangements.
  • Political, economic, and jurisdictional impacts would be substantial, affecting representation, governance, and resource allocation.
  • Timing and turnout considerations could influence the referendum’s legitimacy and future steps.

Next Steps

  • If moved forward, the bill would proceed through committees, potentially receive amendments, and would need passage by both legislative houses and the governor’s signature. Further detail on the referendum mechanics would likely appear in subsequent bill language or amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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