S1035

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring elections commissioners to complete mandatory training, with 55 senators voting in favor and four opposed. Senate Print 1035, sponsored by Sen. Myrie, mandates 30 hours of initial training within six months of appointment and three hours of continuing education annually for all elections commissioners. The bill aims to establish uniform training standards across the state, bringing New York in line with 43 other states that require such training. Sen. Myrie said the legislation was developed after Elections Committee hearings across New York where commissioners from both parties requested standardized training. The State Board of Elections will administer the training, which will be available online to minimize costs to counties. Sen. Walczyk opposed the measure, calling it an unfunded mandate and "a solution in search of a problem," citing concerns about travel costs and implementation expenses. Sen. May supported the bill, recounting a congressional race in Central New York where elections commissioners' errors led to multiple recounts and lawsuits, underscoring the need for reliable training standards. Senators Borrello, O'Mara, Walczyk, and Weik voted against the measure.