Editor’s Note:  This page was discontinued in 2016. The various reform proposals are best covered in other parts of this clearinghouse, including op-eds, news items, and organization links. As noted in the original introduction to this page, listing a reform recommendation here should not be construed as an endorsement of its contents.

New York’s Various Bar Associations

Both the New York City Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association are undertaking major efforts to prepare for New York State’s next state constitutional convention referendum.  Their work is likely to be influential with opinion leaders even if it does not receive extensive coverage in the mass media.

1) New York State Bar Association

Committee on the New York State Constitution

2) New York City Bar Association

Task Force on the New York State Constitutional Convention

J.H. Snider

The Best Delegate Election Process for a New York Constitutional Convention, Gotham Gazette, November 17, 2016.

Peter J. Galie and Christopher Bopst

“Constitutional Stuff: House Cleaning the New York Constitution-Part I.” Alb. L. Rev. 77 (2013): 1385.

“Anything goes: a history of New York’s gift and loan clauses.” Alb. L. Rev. 75 (2011): 2005.

Stephen Kruger, Attorney

Summary
The purposes of a constitution are (a) to provide the framework of a political society, such as three branches of government and the duration of legislative sessions; and (b) to express fundamental principles, such as  free speech and freedom of religion. The present New York Constitution has hundreds of detailed provisions that should be provided for in statutes.

Preamble and article I: “New Preamble and New Rights Article for the New York Constitution”.
Article II: “New Suffrage Article for the New York Constitution”.
Article III: “New Legislature Article for the New York Constitution”.
Article IV: “New Executive Article for the New York Constitution”.
Article V: “New Officers and Civil Departments Article for the New York Constitution”.
Article VI: “New Judiciary Article for the New York Constitution”.
Article IX: “New Local Governments Article for the New York Constitution”.
Articles VII-VIII,  X-XX: “Eight New Articles for the New York Constitution”.

Public Interest Groups

Joint Letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo, November 23, 2015

Lawsuit to Fix Delegate Selection Process

The lawsuit was file by Mert Melfa. Melfa sued to prevent legislators from serving as delegates.

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