BILL NUMBER: S4048
SPONSOR: FERNANDEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the election law, in relation to transition and inaugu-
ration donations and expenses and funds for personal use
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To create rules surrounding expenses and donations for transition and
inauguration entities.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one amends the election law to add a new article 18 entitled
Transition and Inauguration Entities. This article requires transition
and inauguration entities to register with the board of elections, sets
forth limits for contributions, and prohibits the conversion of funds
for personal use.
Section two provides the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Currently, New York State law does not regulate inaugural or transition
accounts and there are no restrictions on how funds may be used.
Recently, the behavior of a local-level New York elected official high-
lighted the need for this reform. Over $45,000 from their inaugural
committee were used for personal expenses, including an overseas family
vacation and an expensive brand-name purse. However, no charges could be
brought against,the elected official because the practice is currently
legal.
New York City regulates transition and inauguration donations and
expenses, including but not limited to: requiring registration of inau-
gural and transition committees and from prohibiting funds from being
used for purposes other than transition and inauguration expenses. The
rest of the State should follow suit and enact these important measures.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-2022: S456 / A3932
2019-2020: S5147 / A664
2018: A11260
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the fifteenth of December next succeeding
the date on which it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the
addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary
for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized
to be made and completed on or before such effective date.