Senate Passes Term Limits for State Legislative Leadership

The New York State Senate today passed legislation, S2722B that would set into law eight-year term limits for leadership positions in the Senate and Assembly. This bill is consistent with what is already in place in Senate rules and also limits the number of years a legislator can serve as a committee chair or party leader.

“Senate Republicans have passed this bill numerous times to bring accountability and balance to government. This Legislature can benefit from change, and having these term limits allows us to better serve the people of New York. I am hopeful that the Assembly will join us in passing this important government reform.” said Senator Bonacic.

The bill limits the tenure of the Temporary President of the Senate, Speaker of the Assembly and minority leaders of both houses to eight years. Legislative committee chairs would also be limited to serving no more than eight consecutive years.

The Senate first voluntarily implemented leadership term limits in 2009 as part of the rules governing the Senate. Adoption of the measure passed today would make them permanent in law for both the Senate and Assembly.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly.