New YorkS 106392025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Relates to the form of submission and abstract for proposed amendments to the constitution

Sponsored By: Michael Gianaris (Democratic)

Became Law

RULESWAYS AND MEANS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Plainer ballot text for voters

The Legislature now sets the exact ballot question and short summary for each constitutional amendment. It may do this in the same resolution or in a separate one passed by both houses at least 120 days before the general election. Lawmakers must use best efforts to follow plain-language rules and aim for an eighth-grade reading level using the Automated Readability Index or a similar tool. No one can require a specific ARI score. The State Board of Elections must send that wording to voters without changing it, except it can assign the ballot order number. This law takes effect now and applies to amendments that got first passage in 2025–2026 and later, not to those first-passed in 2023–2024.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Michael Gianaris
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 38 • No: 22

Senate vote • 6/4/2026

FLOOR Vote