Signed by Governor David Paterson

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends current requirements for the consolidation or dissolution of certain local government entities.

Highlights:

-Specifies that "local government entities" do not include school districts, city districts or special purpose districts created by counties under county law (Sec. 750). -Allows consolidation proceedings between two or more contiguous government entities to begin through either a joint resolution or consolidation agreement by the governing bodies of the local government entities, or through an electoral initiative (Sec. 751). -Mandates that a public hearing must take place regarding the proposed joint consolidation agreement set by the local government entities that are being consolidated, between thirty-five and ninety days after consolidation proceedings first begin (Sec. 754). -Enables electors of two or more local government entities to commence a consolidation proceeding by filing a petition with the signatures of either at least ten percent of the number of electors or five thousand electors, whichever is less (Sec. 757). -Provides that electors may cause a referendum to be held on the proposed consolidation of two or more local government entities and thus stop it from occurring, provided that a petition for a referendum is submitted not more than forty-five days after a consolidation is approved by these entities (Sec. 763). -Allows for proceedings regarding the dissolution of local government entities to be put in motion through a resolution of the governing body endorsing a dissolution plan, or through an elector initiative (Sec. 773).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends current requirements for the consolidation or dissolution of certain local government entities.

Highlights:

-Allows the consolidation proceedings to begin through either a joint resolution or a consolidation agreement by the governing bodies of the local government entities or through an electoral initiative [Sec. 751(2)]. -Holds a public hearing on the proposed joint consolidation agreement, set by the local government entities that are being consolidated [Sec. 754(1)]. -Enables electors of two or more local government entities to commence a consolidation proceeding by filing a petition with the signatures of at least ten percent of the number of electors or five thousand electors, whichever is less [Sec. 757(1-2)]. -Does not enact the elector-initiated consolidation plan unless a majority of the electors vote in favor of such a plan in a referendum [Sec. 763(8)]. -Allows for the dissolution of local government entities to begin through a resolution of the governing body endorsing a dissolution plan, or through an elector initiative [Sec. 773(2)].

Full Bill Text