Proposed Res. No. 79-A
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A. 6227 which would amend the Public Officers Law to allow non-citizens to hold civil offices
By Council Members Farías and Louis
Whereas, The current New York State Public Officers Law requires anyone holding a civil office to be a citizen of the United States; and
Whereas, New York City has over 100 boards and commissions;
Whereas, Many members of boards and commissions hold a civil office under the Public Officers Law, and therefore must be a citizen of the United States; and
Whereas, According to the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, New York City had over 1.2 million non-citizen residents in 2022; and
Whereas, Non-citizen New Yorkers pay taxes, own business and send their children to public schools; and
Whereas, New York City needs civil officer holders who have experiences that reflect those of all New Yorkers, including non-citizen New Yorkers; and
Whereas, Many civil officer positions require specific skills or experiences; and
Whereas, Non-Citizen New Yorkers have a variety of different skills and experiences; and
Whereas, Non-citizen New Yorkers have the skills and experiences required to fill certain civil officer positions; and
Whereas, A. 6227, introduced in the New York State Assembly by Assembly Member Tony Simone would remove citizenship as a qualification for holding public offices in New York state, except where required by the Constitution; and
Whereas, Non-citizen New Yorkers are an essential part of the fabric of New York City; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A. 6227 which would amend the Public Officers Law to allow non-citizens to hold civil offices.
LS #12818
03/26/26
EHC