Senator Gallivan Announces Passage of Term Limits for Legislative Leaders

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) announces the Senate has 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.

“Once again, the Senate is taking steps to bring more accountability and fairness to government,” Gallivan said.  “These term limits will help prevent a concentration of power within the Legislature and ensure that fresh voices and new perspectives are represented in key leadership positions.”

The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph Griffo (R-C-I, Rome), has been passed by the Senate numerous times.  It 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.

 

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