New York State Legislature

New York State Legislature
source
Name	New York State Legislature
Legislature	State of New York
House type	Bicameral
Houses	New York State Senate, New York State Assembly
Leader1 type	Senate President
Leader1	Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Party1	(D)
Election1	January 9, 2019
Leader2 type	Assembly Speaker
Leader2	Carl Heastie
Party2	(D)
Election2	February 3, 2015
Members	213, 63 senators, 150 assemblymembers
House1	New York State Senate
House2	New York State Assembly
Meeting place	New York State Capitol, Albany, New York

New York State Legislature. The New York State Legislature is the law-making body of the U.S. state of New York, headquartered in the New York State Capitol in Albany, New York. It is a bicameral legislature, consisting of the upper New York State Senate and the lower New York State Assembly. The legislature possesses broad authority to enact state laws, approve the state budget, and confirm gubernatorial appointments, shaping policy on issues from New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority to Adirondack Park conservation.

History

The legislature traces its origins to the colonial Province of New York assembly established under the rule of the Duke of York. It formally convened as a state legislature following the American Revolutionary War and the adoption of the first New York Constitution in 1777. The current New York State Capitol, where it meets, was constructed in the late 19th century under architects like Thomas Fuller and Leopold Eidlitz. Historically, the body has been a battleground for political machines like Tammany Hall and has enacted landmark legislation, including the 1848 Married Women's Property Act and the 1911 New York State Factory Investigating Commission spurred by the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.

Structure and organization

The legislature is composed of two distinct chambers. The New York State Senate is led by the Temporary President of the New York State Senate, a position held by Andrea Stewart-Cousins, while the New York State Assembly is presided over by the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, currently Carl Heastie. Each chamber organizes itself through a system of standing committees, such as the New York State Senate Finance Committee and the New York State Assembly Ways and Means Committee. The legislature operates under the rules established by the New York Constitution and its internal New York State Legislative Bill Drafting Commission.

Powers and duties

Constitutional powers include enacting laws for the state, adopting the annual state budget, and the authority to override gubernatorial vetoes with a two-thirds vote. The New York State Senate holds the sole power to confirm appointments made by the Governor of New York, including judges to the New York Court of Appeals and commissioners of agencies like the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. It also has the power to propose amendments to the New York Constitution, which must then be approved by voters in a referendum.

Legislative process

A bill may be introduced in either chamber by a member of the New York State Senate or New York State Assembly. It is typically referred to a relevant standing committee for review and possible amendment. If approved, it proceeds to a floor vote in the chamber of origin. After passage, it moves to the second chamber, where a similar process occurs. A bill passed by both houses is sent to the Governor of New York, who may sign it, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The legislature may also convene a Conference committee to reconcile differences between Senate and Assembly versions of a bill.

Current composition and leadership

Following the 2022 New York state elections, the Democratic Party holds supermajorities in both chambers. In the New York State Senate, Democrats are led by Andrea Stewart-Cousins, with Robert Ortt leading the Republican minority. In the New York State Assembly, Democrats are led by Speaker Carl Heastie, while the Republican conference is led by William Barclay. Key leadership roles also include the Majority Leader of the New York State Senate and the Minority Leader of the New York State Assembly.

Elections and membership

Members of both the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly are elected from single-member districts defined by the New York State Independent Redistricting Commission. Senators serve two-year terms, while Assembly members serve two-year terms, with all seats contested in even-numbered years. Candidates are typically nominated through primary elections administered by the New York State Board of Elections. Membership qualifications include U.S. citizenship, state residency, and district residency for a specified period prior to the election.

Category:New York (state) legislature Category:Bicameral legislatures Category:Government of New York (state)