New York Senate Bill S04855

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/25
• Refer: 2/13/25
• 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

Bill S04855 aims to amend New York's election law by prohibiting candidates, committees, and entities from soliciting or accepting recurring campaign contributions without obtaining affirmative consent from the contributor at the time of the initial contribution. The bill specifies that passive actions, such as failing to uncheck a pre-checked box, do not constitute affirmative consent. Additionally, it mandates that entities accepting recurring contributions must provide clear receipts disclosing the terms of the contributions, information on how to cancel them, and must cancel contributions upon request.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the landscape of campaign financing in New York by ensuring that contributors have explicit control over recurring donations. It would enhance transparency and accountability in campaign finance, potentially reducing the incidence of unintentional recurring contributions. This change may lead to a decrease in the volume of recurring donations and could affect the fundraising strategies of candidates and political entities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S04855 appears to be cautiously supportive, with advocates highlighting the importance of donor consent and transparency in campaign financing. However, there may be concerns from some political entities about the potential impact on fundraising efforts, particularly regarding the ease of obtaining recurring contributions.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between ensuring donor consent and the potential hindrance to fundraising for candidates and political committees. Some stakeholders may argue that the requirement for affirmative consent could complicate the donation process, while proponents emphasize the need for ethical fundraising practices and donor protection.