BILL NUMBER: S1774 Revised 6/10/2025
SPONSOR: WALCZYK
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the election law, in relation to prohibited contrib-
utions by hostile foreign nations in connection with a state or local
election
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill defines hostile foreign nations and bans these entities from
making political contributions in connection with local or state
elections.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Defines "hostile foreign nation".
Section 2: Bans hostile foreign nations from making donations to state
or local campaigns in a variety of ways. Examples include: to a state
party, to a campaign, to an independent expenditure committee, and so
on.
Section 3: Sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Many players have a vested interest in New York's election results,
though some do not have New Yorkers' best interests in mind. In Septem-
ber 2024, it was reported that the Chinese Communist Party had tried to
oust an incumbent Assemblymember during his primary. The CCP tried to
exert influence through an intermediary it has close ties with, the
American Chinese Commerce Association. This bill would ban hostile
foreign nations like China from contributing to campaigns in our state.
By banning hostile foreign influence, we ensure that our elections are
operated and influenced by New Yorkers. Allowing any regime to funnel
money into our political system places a threat on our democratic insti-
tutions and puts public trust at risk within our state. It is critical
that we stop these threats before they are able to grow, and secure fair
elections for New Yorkers.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the state.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.

Statutes affected:
S1774: 14-100 election law