New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05280

Introduced
2/12/25  
Refer
2/12/25  

Caption

Provides that entities soliciting a recurring contribution to a political campaign, political committee, party committee, or not-for-profit or for-profit entity shall receive the affirmative consent of the contributor at the time of arrangement of the recurring contribution; provides for refund of recurring contributions; provides penalties for violations.

Summary

Bill A05280 amends the election law to require that any candidate, political campaign, political committee, party committee, or entity soliciting recurring contributions must obtain affirmative consent from the contributor at the time of the initial contribution. The bill prohibits the use of pre-checked boxes for recurring contributions and mandates that all solicitations clearly inform contributors of their ability to cancel contributions at any time. Additionally, it requires that contributors receive timely receipts and information regarding cancellation of contributions. The bill's impact on state laws includes establishing clearer guidelines for how recurring contributions are solicited and managed, aiming to protect contributors from unintended commitments. It introduces penalties for entities that violate these provisions, including the requirement to refund contributions and pay a civil fine, thus enhancing accountability in political fundraising practices. The general sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be supportive, as it seeks to increase transparency and consent in political contributions, addressing concerns about potential exploitation of contributors through automatic renewals. However, specific voting history and detailed committee discussions are not available, which limits a comprehensive understanding of the sentiment. Notable points of contention may arise around the implications for fundraising strategies of political entities and organizations, particularly regarding the administrative burden of compliance with the new consent requirements. Some stakeholders may argue that these regulations could hinder fundraising efforts, while proponents emphasize the importance of contributor rights and informed consent.

Impact

The bill establishes new requirements for soliciting recurring contributions, which will affect candidates, political committees, and various entities involved in political fundraising. It aims to enhance contributor protection by ensuring that consent is explicitly obtained and that contributors are informed of their rights to cancel contributions. This change may lead to a more transparent and accountable fundraising environment, potentially reshaping how political contributions are solicited in New York.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill A05280 is generally positive, as it addresses concerns about contributor consent and transparency in political fundraising. However, without specific voting history or detailed committee discussions, the full extent of support or opposition remains unclear. Stakeholders may have differing views on the impact of these regulations on fundraising effectiveness.

Contention

Points of contention may include concerns from political entities about the potential difficulties in fundraising due to the new consent requirements. Some may argue that the bill imposes unnecessary burdens on fundraising efforts, while supporters contend that it is essential for protecting contributors from unintended recurring charges. The balance between regulatory compliance and effective fundraising strategies is likely to be a topic of debate.

Companion Bills

NY S01677

Same As Provides that entities soliciting a recurring contribution to a political campaign, political committee, party committee, or not-for-profit or for-profit entity shall receive the affirmative consent of the contributor at the time of arrangement of the recurring contribution; provides for refund of recurring contributions; provides penalties for violations.

Previously Filed As

NY S00433

Provides that entities soliciting a recurring contribution to a political campaign, political committee, party committee, or not-for-profit or for-profit entity shall receive the affirmative consent of the contributor at the time of arrangement of the recurring contribution; provides for refund of recurring contributions; provides penalties for violations.

NY A01165

Provides that entities soliciting a recurring contribution to a political campaign, political committee, party committee, or not-for-profit or for-profit entity shall receive the affirmative consent of the contributor at the time of arrangement of the recurring contribution; provides for refund of recurring contributions; provides penalties for violations.

NY S01677

Provides that entities soliciting a recurring contribution to a political campaign, political committee, party committee, or not-for-profit or for-profit entity shall receive the affirmative consent of the contributor at the time of arrangement of the recurring contribution; provides for refund of recurring contributions; provides penalties for violations.

NY HB770

Allow a campaign committee to refund a political contribution

NY SB423

Government Transparency; campaign committees, independent committees, political action committees, and leadership committees from accepting contributions or donations from non-Georgia persons that exceed 50 percent of all contributions received; prohibit

NY SB136

Limiting contributions under the campaign finance act made to political committees for the purpose of independent contributions and requiring the accounting, reporting and auditing of such independent contributions.

NY S1761

Increases disclosure of political contributions by business entities with public contracts; creates uniform law for contributions by such entities; repeals local option to set contribution limits for business entities.

NY HB3592

Relating to restrictions on political contributions by out-of-state contributors; providing a civil penalty.

NY HB497

Providing for corporate political contributions; and imposing penalties.

NY SB405

Relating to restrictions on political contributions by out-of-state contributors; providing a civil penalty.

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