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Bill

A 4946

Provides for the filling of vacancies in the office of lieutenant-governor by appointment of the governor subject to confirmation by the senate and assembly

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Bores and 2 co-sponsors

Gives the Governor the power to appoint a lieutenant-governor vacancy replacement, with confirmation by both the Senate and Assembly before taking office.

OPINION REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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Bill Summary · A 4946

Summary of A 4946

Bill number: A 4946
Title: Provides for the filling of vacancies in the office of lieutenant-governor by appointment of the governor subject to confirmation by the senate and assembly
Status: Opinion referred to Judiciary
Introduced: February 10, 2025

Quick overview

A 4946 would change how vacancies in the office of lieutenant-governor are filled. Rather than a vacancy being filled by another process, the bill would authorize the Governor to appoint a successor to the lieutenant-governor, with that appointment subject to confirmation by both the state Senate and the Assembly (bicameral confirmation).

What the bill would do

  • Establish a process for filling vacancies in the lieutenant-governor’s office.
  • Provide that the Governor makes the appointment to fill a vacancy.
  • Require confirmation of the Governor’s appointment by both chambers of the Legislature (Senate and Assembly) before the appointee can assume office.

Note: The available information does not include detailed criteria for eligibility, specific timelines for confirmation, duration of interim service (if any), or procedures for handling a vacancy prior to confirmation. The bill text would specify these details, if enacted.

Key provisions and potential changes

  • Vacancy filling mechanism: Appointment by the Governor.
  • Confirmation requirement: Appointee must be confirmed by the Senate and the Assembly to take office.
  • Oversight and checks: The bicameral confirmation serves as a legislative check on the Governor’s appointment authority.

Who would be affected

  • The Governor (bearer of appointment authority for lieutenant-governor vacancies).
  • Members of the New York State Senate and Assembly (as confirmers of the appointment).
  • The office of the lieutenant-governor (potentially new incumbents and the continuity of executive leadership when vacancies occur).

Procedural status and timeline

  • Introduced: February 10, 2025.
  • Legislative actions:
    • February 10, 2025: Referred to Governmental Operations.
    • February 14, 2025: Referred to Attorney-General for opinion (listed twice in the record).
    • March 6, 2025: Opinion referred to Judiciary (listed twice in the record).
  • Current status: Opinion referred to Judiciary; bill is under consideration by the Judiciary Committee for its constitutional and legal implications.

Sponsors and legislative context

  • Primary sponsor: Marianne Buttenschon
  • Cosponsors: Alex Bores, Steve Stern
  • Related bills:
    • A 9917 (prior-session)
    • A 1534 (prior-session)
    • S 1590 (companion; listed as Senate counterpart)
  • Relationship to companion: The Senate has a companion bill (S 1590), indicating parallel/follow-on legislation in the other chamber.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Creates a formal, bicameral confirmation pathway for lieutenant-governor appointments, strengthening legislative oversight of executive succession.
  • Could shorten or lengthen vacancy periods depending on confirmation timelines and the specifics of the affirmation process.
  • May affect political dynamics around succession planning and interim leadership during vacancies.

For readers seeking the exact procedural details (eligibility criteria, interim arrangements, and confirmation timelines), the full text of A 4946 and its committee statements would provide the precise language and any proposed timelines or qualifications.

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

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