BILL NUMBER: S9557B
SPONSOR: MAYER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the legislative law, in relation to requiring lobbyists
to disclose their positions on bills
 
PURPOSE OF BILL:
To require lobbyists and clients to disclose clients' positions on
legislation.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Subdivision (b) of section 1-h of the legislative law is
amended to require disclosure of full addresses and stances on bills in
bi-monthly reports.
Section 2. Subdivision (b) of section 1-j of the legislative law is
amended with similar provisions in semi-annual reports.
Section 3. Effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York's lobbying disclosure laws are intended to promote transparency
and public confidence in governmental decision-making. While current
law requires lobbyists and their clients to disclose the subjects on
which they lobby, it does not require disclosure of the position taken
on those matters. As a result, the public, policymakers, and oversight
bodies often lack a clear understanding of whether lobbying efforts are
in supportò of or in opposition to specific legislative, regulatory, or
governmental actions.
This bill addresses that gap by requiring lobbyists and their clients to
indicate, for each item lobbied on, whether their advocacy was in
support, in support with proposed amendments, in opposition, or in oppo-
sition absent proposed amendments. This additional level of disclosure
will provide meaningful context to existing reporting requirements and
allow for a more complete and accurate understanding of lobbying activ-
ity in New York State. Requiring disclosure of lobbying positions aligns
New York with best practices in government transparency and enhances the
utility of existing filings without imposing a significant new burden on
filers.
Greater transparency in lobbying activity is critical to maintaining
public trust and ensuring accountability. By clarifying not only what
issues are being lobbied, but how they are being influenced, this legis-
lation strengthens the integrity of New York's ethics and lobbying
disclosure framework.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law.