NY A05729

Proposes constitutional amendment to reform New York's state budget process by adding automatic "default budget" provisions when legislature fails to act on appropriation bills within 72 hours of fiscal year start.

Default budget would comprise all appropriation bills from the immediately preceding fiscal year (or prior default budget) with aggregate disbursements capped at prior year levels.

Grants governor emergency powers if revenues fall below prior year levels, including authority to transfer appropriations between purposes, reduce general fund appropriations by uniform percentage, and modify apportionment laws.

Governor must make revenue determination within 15 days of default budget becoming law and notify both houses of legislature of all modifications to be made.

Amendment requires passage by both houses, publication for 3 months, and approval by voters at the next general election.