New York Assembly Bill A03336

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/25
• Refer: 1/27/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Prohibits recurring campaign donations without affirmative consent; provides that a candidate accepting a recurring contribution shall provide a receipt to the contributor disclosing the terms of the recurring contribution, provide all necessary information to cancel the recurring donation, and immediately cancel the recurring donation upon request.

Summary

A03336 would amend the New York Election Law to regulate recurring political and other contributions. The bill prohibits candidates, committees, not-for-profit entities, and for-profit entities from soliciting or accepting recurring contributions unless the donor gives affirmative consent at the time of the initial contribution. It specifically rejects passive consent methods, such as a pre-checked box that the donor must uncheck to avoid enrollment. The bill also imposes disclosure and cancellation requirements on entities that accept recurring contributions. They must provide a receipt clearly stating the terms of the recurring donation within three days of the initial or recurring payment, include cancellation instructions in communications about the contribution, and immediately stop the recurring charge when the contributor requests cancellation. The bill would take effect immediately if enacted.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would create a new section of the Election Law governing recurring contributions and would apply not only to campaign committees but also to nonprofit and for-profit entities that solicit recurring donations. It would add donor-protection requirements around affirmative consent, disclosure, and cancellation, and could affect fundraising practices, online donation platforms, and compliance procedures for political and charitable fundraising in New York.

Sentiment

The available record shows no committee transcript, recorded votes, or formal opposition in the materials provided, so there is no documented debate to gauge overall sentiment. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be framed as a consumer- and donor-protection reform aimed at preventing unwanted recurring charges, which suggests a generally protective or reform-oriented intent.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely to be the burden the bill places on fundraising operations versus the protection it offers donors. Supporters would likely emphasize informed consent, transparency, and easy cancellation, while critics may argue that the requirements could complicate recurring fundraising, increase administrative compliance costs, and affect digital donation workflows. Another possible issue is the bill’s broad reach beyond campaign committees to nonprofit and for-profit entities, which could raise questions about scope and enforcement.