New York's Election and Government Ethics Laws: New Reforms and Enforcement Policies

Avoid costly penalties resulting from noncompliance.

Stay abreast of the recent changes to election and ethics laws in New York. Earlier this year, as part of the New York state budget negotiations, the legislature and governor enacted a series of changes to the New York State Election Law and certain government ethics laws. These controversial changes were motivated by a desire to restore public trust in government. The reforms are likely to affect advocacy organizations, public officials, candidates, committees, and other individuals and entities involved in the New York political process. Changes include reorganizing the State Board of Elections; establishing new, more detailed, requirements for entities that engage in independent expenditure activity; establishing a pilot public financing program that would provide matching funds for participating candidates running for state comptroller; creating a series of new crimes for violating the public trust as well as new penalties for the public officials who commit these crimes; and again expanding the disclosure obligation for certain public officials who receive outside income. Regulations to implement many of these changes have been issued. Regulated individuals and entities must be aware of these changes to ensure compliance with the new laws. Order today to stay current and in compliance with these statutory changes.