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Bill

A 4239

Provides for initiative and referendum in New York State for the People as electors to propose or reject laws and submit amendments to the state constitution

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrea Bailey and 1 co-sponsor

Bill A 4239 empowers New York voters to propose or reject laws and amendments directly, enhancing democratic participation and giving citizens a stronger legislative voice.

OPINION REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4239

Summary of Bill A 4239

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: A 4239
  • Title: Provides for initiative and referendum in New York State for the People as electors to propose or reject laws and submit amendments to the state constitution
  • Status: Opinion referred to Judiciary
  • Introduced: January 31, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 4239 aims to empower the citizens of New York State by establishing a formal process for initiative and referendum. This would allow voters to propose new laws or amendments to the state constitution and to reject existing laws through direct voting. The intent is to enhance democratic participation and give the electorate a more direct voice in the legislative process.

Key Provisions

  • Initiative Process: The bill outlines a procedure for citizens to gather signatures to propose new legislation or constitutional amendments. Specific requirements for the number of signatures and the timeframe for collection would be established.
  • Referendum Process: It provides a mechanism for voters to reject laws passed by the legislature. This would require a certain percentage of voters to petition for a referendum on a specific law.
  • Implementation Guidelines: The bill would also include guidelines on how these processes would be administered, including timelines for signature collection, verification processes, and the scheduling of votes.

Affected Parties

  • Electors: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be the voters of New York State, who would gain the ability to directly influence legislation and constitutional amendments.
  • State Legislature: The bill may impact the legislative process, as lawmakers would need to consider public sentiment and potential initiatives or referendums when proposing new laws.
  • Election Officials: Local and state election officials would be tasked with overseeing the initiative and referendum processes, including signature verification and ballot preparation.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Actions:
    • January 31, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
    • February 10, 2025: Sent to the Attorney General for an opinion on its legal implications.
    • March 3, 2025: Referred to the Judiciary for further consideration.

Related Bills

  • A 4674: A prior-session bill that may have similar objectives or provisions.
  • A 2933: Another prior-session bill that could relate to the initiative and referendum process.
  • S 3132: A companion bill in the Senate that may parallel the provisions of A 4239.

Conclusion

Bill A 4239 represents a significant step toward enhancing direct democracy in New York State by allowing voters to propose and reject legislation and constitutional amendments. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee, and its progress will determine the future of citizen-led legislative initiatives in the state.

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

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