Opinion 07-68

May 30, 2007

         This responds to your inquiry about whether members of the New York Association of Women Judges (Association) may lend their support to a bill in the New York State Legislature. The bill would require New York State to suspend Medicaid for people entering prison and jail with prior Medicaid enrollment. Such support by the Association would include signing a letter urging the legislature to pass such a bill as well as other lobbying efforts in support of its enactment.

         Members of a judges’ association may support the enactment of a bill in the legislature where the proposed legislation concerns the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice. Opinion 06-34.

         Since this bill does address an issue involving the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice, it would be permissible for the Association or Association members to support its enactment by letter or other appropriate lobbying efforts.

         Enclosed is Opinion 06-34 for your reference and consideration.