New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05234

Introduced
2/20/25  
Refer
2/20/25  

Caption

Relates to electronic financial disclosures of members and candidates of the legislature; requires creation of electronic version of disclosure statement; directs the commission on ethics and lobbying in government shall make available an editable, electronic, readable and searchable version of the annual statement of financial disclosure by January 1, 2026.

Summary

Bill S05234 amends the public officers law to require that all members of the New York State legislature and candidates for legislative office file their annual financial disclosure statements electronically. The bill mandates that these disclosures be in an editable, readable, searchable, and downloadable format. The aim is to enhance transparency and accessibility of financial disclosures, which are critical for public accountability. The bill also stipulates that the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government must provide this electronic version of the disclosure statement by January 1, 2026.

Impact

This legislation will significantly change the process of financial disclosures for state legislators and candidates, moving from paper-based submissions to a digital format. This shift is expected to improve the efficiency of the filing process and make it easier for the public to access and review the financial disclosures of elected officials. The law will also likely necessitate updates to the existing systems used by the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government to accommodate electronic filings.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around Bill S05234 appears to be positive, as it aligns with ongoing efforts to increase government transparency and accountability. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of the electronic filing system and ensuring that all members are adequately trained to use the new format effectively.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the potential costs associated with implementing the electronic filing system and whether all legislators will have equal access to the necessary technology. Additionally, there may be discussions about the adequacy of the security measures in place to protect sensitive financial information submitted electronically.

Companion Bills

NY A02467

Same As Relates to electronic financial disclosures of members and candidates of the legislature; requires creation of electronic version of disclosure statement; directs the commission on ethics and lobbying in government shall make available an editable, electronic, readable and searchable version of the annual statement of financial disclosure by January 1, 2026.

Previously Filed As

NY A02467

Relates to electronic financial disclosures of members and candidates of the legislature; requires creation of electronic version of disclosure statement; directs the commission on ethics and lobbying in government shall make available an editable, electronic, readable and searchable version of the annual statement of financial disclosure by January 1, 2026.

NY A01560

Relates to electronic financial disclosures of members and candidates of the legislature; requires creation of electronic version of disclosure statement; directs the commission on ethics and lobbying in government shall make available an editable, electronic, readable and searchable version of the annual statement of financial disclosure by January 1, 2024.

NY S03544

Relates to electronic financial disclosures of members and candidates of the legislature; requires creation of electronic version of disclosure statement; directs the commission on ethics and lobbying in government shall make available an editable, electronic, readable and searchable version of the annual statement of financial disclosure by January 1, 2025.

NY S06162

Requires electronic filing of all financial disclosure statements with the commission on ethics and lobbying in government.

NY A00463

Relates to the annual statement of financial disclosure and the posting of financial disclosure filings for candidates for statewide elected office or candidates for a member of the legislature.

NY S04857

Relates to the annual statement of financial disclosure and the posting of financial disclosure filings for candidates for statewide elected office or candidates for a member of the legislature.

NY S977

Expands deadline for filing financial disclosure statements by candidates for Governor and member of Legislature.

NY S1622

Penalties for Late-filed Disclosures or Statements of Financial Interests

NY HB0328

Bicounty Commissions - Public Ethics - Financial Disclosure Statements PG/MC 105-26

NY HB328

Bicounty Commissions - Public Ethics - Financial Disclosure Statements PG/MC 105-26

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.