Establishes the position of member of the legislature as a part-time, volunteer position in the service of the state; provides that state legislators shall receive no salary, or any other compensation or benefit from the state; authorizes the payment of travel expenses and per diem for days the legislature is in session, provides that per diem is limited to 30 days per annum; provides that the legislature shall convene in regular session only on Saturdays and Sundays in January and February; accelerates the state budget process so that the state budget is enacted on or before the last Sunday of February each year.
Impact
This bill aims to fundamentally reshape the nature of service within the New York legislature by clearly defining the role as voluntary and part-time. According to the bill, this change is intended to attract individuals who may be discouraged by the financial aspects of being a full-time legislator. Consequently, the new approach is anticipated to foster a diverse range of candidates, suggesting that more individuals from various professional backgrounds may consider running for office.
Summary
Bill A09196 proposes several amendments to the New York Constitution regarding the position of state legislature members. It establishes that legislators will serve as part-time volunteers and receive no salary or other compensation from the state for their services. While these members would still be eligible for reimbursement for travel expenses to legislative sessions, these expenses would be limited to actual costs determined by the state comptroller. Furthermore, a per diem allowance for days of legislative session is proposed, capped at 30 days per calendar year.
Contention
Notably, there exists considerable debate surrounding the implications of the proposed amendments. Supporters argue that eliminating salaries emphasizes civic duty and public service while potentially leading to a more committed legislative body. On the other hand, critics worry that making legislative roles completely voluntary could disenfranchise those who cannot afford to serve without compensation, thereby limiting representation to wealthier individuals. Additionally, the changes to the legislative calendar, requiring sessions only on weekends in January and February, may also raise concerns about accessibility and legislative efficiency.
Provides that in years where a pay period occurs on January first of such year, the salaries of members of the legislature shall be payable in twenty-seven bi-weekly payments.
Provides that the Governor's annual budget proposal to the Legislature shall include statements of any new legislation, amendment to legislation, or limitation on the effect of any legislation contained in the budget; makes related provisions granting the legislature an equal role with the governor in the budget process.
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.
Governor required to deliver a state of the state address to the legislature no later than 30 days after the regular legislative session convenes each year.
Provides that in years where a pay period occurs on January first of such year, the salaries of members of the legislature shall be payable in twenty-seven bi-weekly payments.
States findings of the Legislature and provides that individual legislative members may donate all or a portion of their compensation to the tax relief fund.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.
Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 88th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.