New York Assembly Bill A08009

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/21/25
• Refer: 4/21/25
• Refer: 5/9/25

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, the bill is likely to shift the balance of power in the budgetary process, providing the legislature with more authoritative oversight and input regarding fiscal policies. The requirement for the governor to specifically outline proposed legislation or amendments will not only facilitate better legislative scrutiny but also streamline the legislative process by clearly delineating any changes to law anticipated in the budget. This could lead to a more thorough discussion and potential debates on the implications of these legislative changes, thus impacting how budgets are traditionally proposed and approved in New York State.

Summary

A08009 proposes an amendment to Article 7 of the New York State Constitution, primarily aimed at enhancing the legislative role in the state budget process. The bill mandates that the Governor's annual budget submission must include a detailed account of any proposed new legislation, amendments, or limitations on existing laws that would be affected by the budget. This requirement is intended to foster more transparency and collaboration between the executive branch and the legislature, ensuring that all potential legal implications of the budget are considered upfront.

Contention

While supporters of A08009 argue that it increases the accountability of the governor and promotes a collaborative budget process, critics may express concerns regarding potential bureaucratic inefficiencies. There are fears that requiring comprehensive documentation of proposed legislative changes could lead to delays in the budget approval process or be perceived as an encroachment on the executive's ability to govern effectively. Additionally, opposition may arise from those who believe that such strict requirements could limit the governor's flexibility in responding to urgent fiscal needs or crises that arise after the initial budget proposal.