Prohibits the passage of bills by the legislature between the hours of midnight and eight o'clock a.m. unless 2/3 of the legislature is present; requires two-thirds approval for messages of necessity.
Impact
If enacted, this bill could significantly alter how legislative sessions are conducted in New York. By restricting the hours for bill passage, it ensures that critical discussions occur within a more standard timeframe, potentially leading to better-informed decisions by the legislature. However, this might also slow down the legislative process during urgent situations where rapid decision-making is required. The requirement for two-thirds approval for messages of necessity could add an additional layer of bureaucracy, affecting emergency legislation.
Summary
Bill A09089 seeks to amend the New York State Constitution by prohibiting the passage of bills by the legislature during the hours of midnight to 8:00 AM. In situations needing immediate attention, it mandates that a two-thirds majority of the members must be present to vote. This legislation aims to formalize and restrict specific hours during which legislative activities can occur, presumably to enhance the legislative process's structure and transparency.
Contention
While proponents argue that this bill promotes better governance and transparency, critics may view it as an unnecessary restriction on legislative efficiency. The balance between maintaining a structured legislative process and ensuring prompt action during urgent situations could be a focal point of contention among lawmakers. Concerns may arise around the bill's potential to prolong discussions or delay necessary legislation that needs to be passed quickly for public or state interests.
Same As
Prohibits the passage of bills by the legislature between the hours of midnight and eight o'clock a.m. unless 2/3 of the legislature is present; requires two-thirds approval for messages of necessity.
Prohibits the passage of bills by the legislature between the hours of midnight and eight o'clock a.m. unless 2/3 of the legislature is present; requires two-thirds approval for messages of necessity.
Provides that no bill which increases, extends, imposes or revives any tax, fee, assessment, surcharge or any other such levy or collection, be passed or become a law, except by the assent of two-thirds of the members elected to each branch of the legislature voting separately; makes an exception for any bill which results from the passage of a home rule message.
Provides that if legislative passage of the budget has not occurred prior to the first day of any fiscal year, the bi-weekly salary installment payments of the governor and members of the legislature to be paid on or after such day shall be withheld and forfeited in perpetuity until such legislative passage of the budget has occurred.
Requires legislative approval of any utility rate or charge increase approved by the public service commission; provides that the legislature can approve, modify or rescind any rate or charge increase approved by the commission by concurrent resolution; provides that the legislature can review any rate or charge increase approved in the prior 12 months.
Requires legislative approval of any utility rate or charge increase approved by the public service commission; provides that the legislature can approve, modify or rescind any rate or charge increase approved by the commission by concurrent resolution; provides that the legislature can review any rate or charge increase approved in the prior 12 months.
Requiring legislative approval of any national heritage area or national historic trail in the state of Kansas and prohibiting state funding of any national heritage area or national historic trail unless such funding is first approved by the legislature of the state of Kansas.