New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S01677

Introduced
1/13/25  
Refer
1/13/25  

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 S01677 amends New York's election law to require that any candidate, political campaign, political committee, party committee, or any entity soliciting recurring contributions must obtain affirmative consent from the contributor at the time of the initial contribution. This means that contributors must actively agree to recurring contributions rather than being opted in by default. The bill also mandates that all solicitations clearly state that contributions can be canceled at any time and that contributors must receive timely receipts and cancellation information for their contributions.

Impact

The bill will significantly change how political contributions are solicited in New York by eliminating the practice of pre-checked boxes for recurring contributions. It aims to enhance transparency and protect contributors from unintended recurring charges. Violators of this law will face penalties, including the requirement to refund contributions and pay a civil fine, which could deter potential abuses in fundraising practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill S01677 appears to be generally positive among advocates for campaign finance reform, as it seeks to protect contributors from aggressive solicitation tactics. However, there may be concerns from some political entities about the potential impact on fundraising efforts, particularly regarding the administrative burden of compliance with the new consent requirements.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from political committees and candidates who argue that the requirement for affirmative consent could hinder their ability to secure necessary funding. Conversely, advocates for consumer protection and campaign finance reform support the bill, emphasizing the need for transparency and contributor rights in political fundraising.

Companion Bills

NY A05280

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 A05280

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.

Similar Bills

AZ SB1270

correctional officers; supplemental contributions

SC S0297

Employer and employee contribution rates under SCRS and PORS

SC H4098

Employer and employee contribution rates under SCRS and PORS

OH HB27

Designate Specialist Jacob A. Ashton Memorial Bridge

CA AB241

Wildfire and Vegetation Management Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund.

CA SB1073

Income taxes: voluntary contributions: Black Cultural District Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund.

OH HB310

Create the Ironton Fighting Tigers license plate

OH HB760

Create the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. license plate.