BILL NUMBER: S4482
SPONSOR: MAYER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the election law, in relation to requiring that subpoe-
nas relating to election matters be served with a separate informational
sheet that summarizes why the subpoena has been issued
 
PURPOSE:
For election law cases under article sixteen of the election law, this
bill would require that a cover sheet be provided if a person is subpoe-
naed for a case under the election law. The sheet must explain in clear,
plain language what the case pertains to and that it is unrelated to
criminal charges.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one amends section 16-102 of the election law by adding a new
subdivision 2-a stating that any subpoena issued concerning violations
of election law is required to be served with a cover sheet explaining
in plain language the reason for the subpoena, the consequence of not
complying, and that the subpoena is unrelated to any criminal action.
Section two establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
When respondents are issued subpoenas as a result of election law
violations, they frequently become alarmed and unclear about the proc-
ess, and concerned that they are the target of inquiry. This bill will
provide the subpoenaed person with a clear, comprehensive explanation in
order to better understand the issue and provide informed testimony.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:.
2017-2018: S8568A/A9641, referred to Codes
2019-2020: S2099A, referred to Elections
2021-2022: S215/A7834, passed Senate; referred to Election Law in Assem-
bly
2023-2024: S2298/A1176, passed Senate; referred to Election Law in
Assembly
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S4482: 16-102 election law