NY S00709

Creates a new Article 20 of the New York Constitution establishing statewide initiative and referendum powers, allowing voters to propose laws, constitutional amendments, and reject legislation independently of the legislature.

Requires initiative and referendum petitions to be signed by electors equal to at least 5 percent of votes cast for governor in the last election, with at least 5,000 signatures from three-fifths of congressional districts.

Prohibits initiatives from calling elections, appropriating funds (except single-purpose appropriations), naming individuals to office, or identifying private corporations to perform functions.

Limits ballot placement to a maximum of four discrete initiative or referendum measures per general election, with measures submitted earliest in time taking priority.

Requires constitutional amendment initiatives to be approved by majority vote in two successive elections with state senate or assembly candidates on the ballot; statute initiatives require single-election majority approval and cannot be amended by legislature for two years without voter approval.

Extends initiative and referendum powers to cities, towns, villages, and counties for local matters, requiring signatures equal to the lesser of 30,000 or 5 percent of votes cast for governor in that municipality.