NY A07761

Establishes a three-member Village Incorporation Commission within the Department of State, with members appointed by the Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Attorney General, to replace town supervisors in overseeing village incorporation petitions.

Requires the commission to conduct two studies before deciding whether to allow village incorporation elections: a feasibility assessment of the proposed village's ability to provide services and fiscal capacity, and an impact assessment of effects on surrounding towns and local areas.

Increases the minimum population requirement for village incorporation from 500 to 2,000 regular inhabitants.

Adds two new grounds for objecting to village incorporation: that required fiscal and service studies have not been conducted, and that establishment of the village is not in the fiscal, service, and taxation interests of the proposed village or surrounding town residents.

Requires the commission to produce a report within two years recommending reforms to the village incorporation process, including recommendations on petition requirements, population thresholds, and voter eligibility; takes effect January 1, 2024, with exceptions for petitions with signatures collected before that date.