New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07812

Introduced
5/9/25  
Refer
5/9/25  

Caption

Relates to the line of succession for the office of governor when the governor is impeached or unable to perform such governor's duties.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of this bill is the alteration of the current mechanisms of state governance during emergencies or vacancies in the governor's office. By establishing a definitive order of succession, the bill ensures that there is always an official ready and capable of serving in the highest office of state government, which is crucial for maintaining effective governance and public trust during unpredictable events such as impeachment or incapacitation. This initiative aims to fortify the state's response capability in emergencies.

Summary

Bill S07812 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the public officers law regarding the line of succession for the office of governor in New York State. Specifically, the bill outlines who is eligible to act as governor if the office becomes vacant, or if the current governor is impeached or unable to perform their duties. The proposed changes stipulate a clear hierarchy of state officials who will be called to step in as acting governor, including the attorney general, comptroller, and various commissioners, ensuring continuity of leadership during such critical times.

Contention

Debate surrounding S07812 primarily revolves around concerns about the implications of such succession structures on state governance. Opponents might express apprehensions about empowering certain officials within this hierarchy, particularly regarding their qualifications and readiness to assume the role of governor. Critics argue that further scrutiny of the officials designated for succession is necessary to prevent potential crises in leadership, especially if an acting governor lacks the mandate or support required to effectively govern.

Companion Bills

NY A09022

Same As Relates to the line of succession for the office of governor when the governor is impeached or unable to perform such governor's duties.

Previously Filed As

NY A09022

Relates to the line of succession for the office of governor when the governor is impeached or unable to perform such governor's duties.

NY A09018

Relates to the line of succession for the governor and lieutenant-governor in cases where they are impeached or unable to perform the duties of the office.

NY S07816

Relates to the line of succession for the governor and lieutenant-governor in cases where they are impeached or unable to perform the duties of the office.

NY H1325

Succession to Office of Governor, Auditing, and Government Efficiency

NY S07887

Amends the list of persons eligible to succeed the governor in the event that the governor is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office of governor as a result of an attack or a natural or peacetime disaster and the lieutenant governor, the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly are unable to discharge such duties.

NY S1756

Succession to Office of Governor, Auditing, and Government Efficiency

NY HJR1325

Succession to Office of Governor, Auditing, and Government Efficiency:

NY S08144

Establishes term limits for the governor and lieutenant-governor of three terms in such office.

NY A05785

Establishes term limits for the governor and lieutenant-governor of three terms in such office.

NY HR0467

IMPEACHMENT OF GOVERNOR

Similar Bills

NH CACR1

Relating to the governor. Providing that there be a lieutenant governor who shall assume the duties of the governor if the governor is incapacitated.

SC H5018

Agency Head Salary Commission, Governor and Lt. Governor

CT HB07223

An Act Concerning The Order Of Gubernatorial Succession Under Certain Permanent And Temporary Circumstances.

CA AB1835

State of emergency: Governor’s powers and termination.

CT HB05219

An Act Concerning The Order Of Gubernatorial Succession Under Certain Permanent And Temporary Circumstances.

NY S07816

Relates to the line of succession for the governor and lieutenant-governor in cases where they are impeached or unable to perform the duties of the office.

NY A09018

Relates to the line of succession for the governor and lieutenant-governor in cases where they are impeached or unable to perform the duties of the office.

PA SB460

Further providing for incapacity of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.