Assembly Actions -
Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE |
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Mar 04, 2013 |
referred to elections |
Senate Bill S4009
2013-2014 Legislative Session
Enacts the "2013 Campaign Finance Reform Act"
download bill text pdfSponsored By
(D, WF) Senate District
Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Elections Committee
- Introduced
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- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
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- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
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- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- Delivered to Governor
- Signed By Governor
Actions
co-Sponsors
(D) 15th Senate District
(D) Senate District
(D, WF) Senate District
2013-S4009 (ACTIVE) - Details
- Current Committee:
- Senate Elections
- Law Section:
- Election Law
- Laws Affected:
- Amd El L, generally; add §92-t, St Fin L; amd §658, Tax L
- Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:
-
2009-2010:
S7506
2011-2012: S3584
2013-S4009 (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo
BILL NUMBER:S4009 TITLE OF BILL: An act enacting the "2013 Campaign Finance Reform Act"; to amend the election law, the state finance law and the tax law, in relation to providing for optional partial public financing of certain election campaigns in this state; and to amend the election law, in relation to limiting personal use of campaign funds, establishing certain contribution limits, identification of the source of certain political communications and providing for a state board of elections enforcement unit and counsel SUMMARY AND DESCRIPTION OF PROVISIONS: PUBLIC FINANCING: The bill adds a new Title II to Article 14 to provide for public financing of primary and general election campaigns for statewide office, primary, general and special election campaigns for state legislative office and primary and general election campaigns for constitutional convention delegates. CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION: To be eligible for public financing, a candidate for nomination or election to a statewide office, state legislative office or as a constitutional convention delegate must satisfy the legal requirements
for having his or her name on the ballot, elect to participate in the public financing system, meet the threshold for eligibility and agree to file required statements, authorize a single participating committee; and identify the source of all campaign material. Candidates that opt in are also required to participate in at least one debate pre-primary and one debate pre-general. ELIGIBILITY THRESHOLD: Governor: Must collect not less than $650,000 from at least 6,500 matchable contributions made up of sums of up to $250 per individual contributor who resides in New York state. Lt. Governor (primary only), Attorney Gen. & comptroller: Must collect not less than $200,000 from at least 2,000 matchable contributions made up of sums of up to $250 per individual contributor who resides in New York state. Senate: Must collect not less than $25,000 from at least 250 matchable Contributions made up of sums of up to $250 per individual contributor who resides in New York state including at least $12,500 from at least 125 individual contributors who reside in the senate district in which the seat is to be filled. Assembly: Must collect not less than $10,000 from at least 100 matchable Contributions made up of sums of up to $250 per individual contributor who resides in New York State including at least $5,000 from at least 50 individual contributors who reside in the assembly district in which the seat is to be filled. At-large Delegate to a Constitutional Convention, Must collect not less than $20,000 from at least 200 matchable contributions made up of sums of up to $250 per individual Contributor who resides in New York state. District Delegate to a Constitutional Convention, Must collect not less than $5,000 from at least 50 matchable Contributions made up of sums of up to $250 per individual contributor who resides in the district in which the seat is to be filled. Matchable Contributions: May be collected after January first of the year of the primary or general election. For a special election, may be collected up to six months before the election. Consist of the net amount of contributions after deduction of the value of any food, drink or entertainment provided in exchange for the contribution. Only Contributions from persons who reside in New York State are matchable. The Match: Eligible contributions up to $250 are matched at the rate of $6 for every $1. Misc. Rules: To receive public funds for a primary election, a participating candidate must agree to receive public funding for the general election. Participating candidates who are unopposed in a primary election may receive public funds. Participating candidates whose opponents don't raise or spend 10%- of the expenditure limit are deemed unopposed. Participating candidates that are unopposed may raise private funds of up to 50% of the expenditure limit if there is a contest in the primary for at least one other party for such office. Such funds may only be raised with contributions of up to $2000 per contributor. Candidates who are challenged in a primary and who do not seek public funds for the general election. Candidates who are unopposed in a general or special election may not receive public funds. Permissible and Prohibited Uses of Public Funds: Public funds may used only for qualified campaign expenditures during the year of the primary or general election. For a special election, such funds may only be used in the three months prior to the election. They may not be used for expenditures in violation of law, for payments to a candidate or to a relative of the candidate {or to any business entity of which such a person is an officer or employee or has a ten percent or greater ownership interest), for payments in excess of fair market value, for any expenditure after the candidate or the candidate's only remaining opponent has been disqualified (until and unless reversed), to challenge an opponent's petitions or certificates, for non-campaign related food, drink or entertainment, or for gifts (except brochures, buttons, signs and other campaign material). Contribution Limit: All candidates who choose to participate in the public financing system have a contribution limit of $2,000 per contributor. PUBLIC FUNDS RECEIPT LIMITS: The following limits on public funds apply to all candidates who participate in the public financing system. Governor Lt. Governor Attorney General and Comptroller State Senator Member of Assembly At-Large Delegate District Delegate General Election Primary Governor $12,000,000 $9,000,000 Lt. Governor $ $6,000.000 Attorney General and Comptroller $ 8,000,000 Same as Lt. Governor State Senator $350,000 $ 350,0000 Member of Assembly $150,000 $ 150,000 At Large Delegate $350,000 $ 175,000 District Delegate $75,000 $ 50,000 NOTE: A participating candidate may raise unlimited amounts of private money subject to the $2,000 per contributor limitation. Party. Expenditures in Support of participating Candidates: Notwithstanding the expenditure limits for participating candidates, state Party committees may make the following expenditures for services to participating candidates: Gov. and Lt. Governor $2,500,000 Att. Gen or Comptroller $1,000,000 Senate $ 100,000 State Assembly $ 50,000 At-large Delegate $ 50,000 District Delegate $ 10,000 * Transfers to a participating candidate may constitute up to 250 of such party expenditures. Tax Check-off: The bill provides an income tax check-off of $5. Such monies would be paid into a separate fund, known as the New York State Campaign Finance Fund. The taxpayers' tax liability would not be affected by making this designation. If the state campaign finance fund lacks the money to pay all properly certified claims, the deficiency will be paid from the general fund. TITLE I: The bill amends Article 14 of the election law to designate the existing law Title I, and adds the following: * Identification of Independent Political and electioneering communications: The bill requires all independent political and elecitoneering communications that expressly advocate for the election or defeat of a candidate or the Success or defeat of a ballot proposal to identify the source of the funding for such communication. * Independent Expenditures: The bill requires reporting of independent expenditures that cost more than $1000 and expressly advocates for the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate or the success or defeat of a ballot proposal. Independent expenditures made after the last filing before an election must be reported within 24 hours. * The bill adds an identification requirement for independent political communications, a filing requirement for independent expenditures and a requirement that certain candidates disclose their intent to spend personal funds in a campaign. * Lowering Contribution Limits: The bill sets contribution limits for campaigns for statewide office or citywide office in New York City at $2,400 for candidates for election and $2,000 for candidates for nomination (or between $2,000 and $6,000 for minor party candidates, based on an existing formula that is unchanged by this bill). The bill would set campaign contribution limits for candidates for State Senate and State Assembly at $2,000 per election (or a total of $4,800 for a primary and general election cycle), the current federal level. This bill would not affect local laws currently in place in New York City, which currently set limits for citywide candidates that are lower than the limits in state law. * Personal Use of Campaign Funds: Delineates how candidates for elected office can and cannot use their campaign funds, establish rules and methods for the disposal of excess campaign funds and for the timing of such disposal, require that they specifically detail campaign contributions by lobbyists and prohibit the soliciting or receiving of contribution for.campaigns for state or federal office by senior policy makers in the executive and legislative branch. * Campaign Finance Enforcement: The bill codifies an enforcement unit within the State Board of Elections (SBOE) with a mandate that at least 35 percent of the SBOE's annual budget be dedicated to the unit to promote increased enforcement of campaign finance laws. The enforcement counsel would have exclusive authority to determine how that money is spent in staffing decisions. The bill expands the jurisdiction of the enforcement unit and promotes the independence of the enforcement counsel by making the office a 4 year term, and the office of special counsel, the other legal unit at the SBOE, a four-year term and codifies the requirement that the deputy in each unit be a member of the opposite political party than the counsel. The bill changes the way that campaign finance enforcement matters are processed at the SBOE by requiring three of the four SBOE commissioners to vote to stop an investigation by the enforcement counsel, rather than requiring, as current law does, three votes to begin an investigation. The bill mandates that all votes to stop an investigation, or to act on the recommendation of the enforcement counsel after an investigation, Occur in public, as currently all discussion and all determinations made regarding campaign finance enforcement matters Occur in executive session and not in public. Penalties: TITLE I The knowing and willful failure to identify the source of independent expenditures will subject the person or entity to a civil fine equal to $1000 or the cost of the communication, whichever is greater. A failure to file the statements required for an independent expenditure shall subject the person or entity to a civil fine of $500. A knowing and willful failure to file the statement required regarding the use of personal funds in a campaign shall subject the candidate to a civil fine of up to $5000. TITLE II The failure to make proper campaign finance filings, as required by Title II and rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, shall subject the offender to a civil penalty of up to $5000. If a participating candidate's aggregate expenditures exceed the expenditure limitations, the candidate is liable for a civil penalty in an amount equal to three times the amount of the excess. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: 2010: A.10927/S.7506 - Held in Elections JUSTIFICATION: PUBLIC FINANCING: This bill provides a comprehensive yet balanced approach to the public financing of political campaigns. It contains significant but realistic limitations on expenditures and contribution receipts, a means for recovering public funds when they are unspent, excessive or used for prohibited purposes, and penalties for violations of the filing requirements or the expenditure limitations for participants The hybrid "matching plus grant" structure of the program has several advantages. It will reduce the amount of time a candidate must spend raising money, leaving more time to address the issues that are important to the public. The matching component allows for participation by private citizens throughout the campaign while also conserving resources by ensuring that only candidates who can show substantial voter support and face opposition will be eligible to receive public funds. The grant components, containing four separate triggers, allow candidates that are outspent to remain competitive without giving a participating candidate an unnecessary windfall. The identification requirement for independent political communications, the filing requirement for independent expenditures and the requirement that candidates disclose their intent to spend personal funds in a campaign provide both participants and nonparticipants with a more transparent and fairer political dynamic. The opportunity for party committees to make limited expenditures in support of participating candidates provides flexibility to both the candidates and the parties. Overall, the bill strikes a balance that allows challengers and incumbents to compete fairly while capping the amount of public funds that will be expended. CONTRIBUTION LIMITS FOR NON-PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES: Presently a single contributor may give up to $55,900 to a candidate during a single election cycle ($18,100 for the primary and $37,800 for the general election). This figure is the highest among any of the 45 states that place limits on campaign contributions. It is important that the legislature take steps to reduce the excessive contributions currently permitted by law. PERSONAL USE OF CAMPAIGN FUNDS: This bill addresses a number of concerns with how campaign funds are raised and expended. Currently, New York's election law, allowing candidates to spend campaign funds for "any lawful purpose," is among the most lax in the nation. While spending campaign funds for personal use is technically prohibited, the lack of any definition for what constitutes a personal use renders the provision meaningless. This shortcoming in the law is striking when compared to the detailed restrictions issued by the Federal Election Commission. And when it is combined with the provision that allows elected officials to retain campaign funds for any use related to the holding of public office, it gives legislators virtual carte blanche for expenditures that are, at best, tangentially related to their campaigns and official duties. Examples of successful, unsuccessful or former candidates using excess campaign funds for luxury vehicles, sky boxes, extravagant meals, international travel and home improvements have regularly appeared in newspapers across the state. There is a growing and justifiable public perception that campaign funds are being used to enhance the post election lifestyles of candidates for public office. Such largesse turns the ideal of representatives serving the public on its head. Campaign donors have a reasonable expectation that their contributions will be used for the candidate's election efforts and the execution of his or her duties. They do not expect their contributions to subsidize personal spending. This legislation addresses these abuses while preserving elected officials' ability to fund the legitimate work of their offices. By adding a detailed list, both in generalities and specific examples, to the current language, the line as to what ran and cannot be done is brightly drawn. In addition to the obvious need to spend campaign funds on campaigns, the expanded definition makes it clear that expenditures related to holding public office are restricted to those costs that would not otherwise be incurred if an individual was a private citizen. In addition, the bill sets limits on how long campaign committees can be maintained by former candidates. Reports of committees continuing years after campaigns were ended are all too common. By setting time limits and also specifying how excess funds can be disbursed, this abuse will be eliminated. The bill also requires campaign committees to identify contributions from registered lobbyists. This is in response to concerns that recent changes in the interpretation of what constitutes an illegal gift by the commission will result in the use of campaign funds from lobbyists in place of the prohibited gifts from lobbyists. Coupled with the more stringent standard for the personal use of campaign funds, the detailing of lobbyists contributions will make it all the more difficult to justify such expenditures. Finally the bill prohibits the soliciting or receiving of contributions for a campaign for state or federal office while in a senior policy position in the legislative or executive branch. This is in response to the recent disclosure that the head of an executive agency who acknowledged that he was not a candidate for any office, continued to raise and spend campaign funds to enhance his life style. To engage in such actions while overseeing an industry which is actively and at great expense lobbies state government, at the very least gives the impression that favorable decisions were being sold and, true or not, feeds public cynicism. The legislation, again in conjunction with the new, more clearly delineated limits on the use of campaign funds, prohibits such misuse of campaign funds. STRENGTHENED CAMPAIGN FINANCE ENFORCEMENT: To promote increased enforcement of campaign finance reform laws, the legislation creates an enforcement unit within the New York State Board of Elections (BOE). Additionally, it expands the jurisdiction of the enforcement unit and promotes the independence of the enforcement counsel by making the office a four-year term. The bill also requires that at least 35% of the annual State Board of Elections budget go toward paying the expenses of the enforcement unit. FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: There would be no cost in 2011, 2012 and 2013. In 2014, there could be costs associated with participating candidates seeking election to a statewide office and constitutional delegate. There will be no cost in 2015. In 2016, there could be costs associated with participating candidates seeking election to state legislative office. There would be no cost in 2017. In 2018, there could be costs associated with participating candidates seeking election to a statewide office, state legislative office and constitutional delegate. Other states that have public financing systems in place have had very low participation rates at first, with increasing participation in later elections. The long-term cost of the system in New York is unknown* EFFECTIVE DATE: This act takes effect immediately; provided, however, that all statewide candidates and constitutional delegates will be eligible to participate in 2017 and state legislative candidates will be eligible to participate in 2019.
2013-S4009 (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K ________________________________________________________________________ 4009 2013-2014 Regular Sessions I N S E N A T E March 4, 2013 ___________ Introduced by Sen. ADAMS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Elections AN ACT enacting the "2013 Campaign Finance Reform Act"; to amend the election law, the state finance law and the tax law, in relation to providing for optional partial public financing of certain election campaigns in this state; and to amend the election law, in relation to limiting personal use of campaign funds, establishing certain contrib- ution limits, identification of the source of certain political commu- nications and providing for a state board of elections enforcement unit and counsel THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM- BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "2013 Campaign Finance Reform Act". S 2. Legislative findings and declaration. The legislature declares that it is in the public interest to create and ensure a truly democrat- ic political system in which citizens, irrespective of their income, status, or financial connections, are enabled and encouraged to compete for public office. Therefore, the legislature finds it necessary to establish a system of public financing for all qualified candidates for state elective offices and constitutional convention delegates. S 3. The article heading of article 14 of the election law is amended to read as follows: CAMPAIGN RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES; PUBLIC FINANCING S 4. Section 14-100 of the election law is amended by adding four new subdivisions 12, 13, 14 and 15 to read as follows: 12. "CLEARLY IDENTIFIED CANDIDATE" MEANS THAT: (A) THE NAME OF THE CANDIDATE INVOLVED APPEARS; (B) A PHOTOGRAPH OR DRAWING OF THE CANDIDATE APPEARS; OR EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD09405-01-3
S. 4009 2 (C) THE IDENTITY OF THE CANDIDATE IS APPARENT BY UNAMBIGUOUS REFER- ENCE. 13. "GENERAL PUBLIC AUDIENCE" MEANS AN AUDIENCE COMPOSED OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, INCLUDING A TARGETED SUBGROUP OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT MEAN AN AUDIENCE SOLELY COMPRISED OF MEMBERS, RETIREES AND STAFF OF A LABOR ORGANIZATION OR THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS OR AN AUDIENCE SOLELY COMPRISED OF EMPLOYEES OF A BUSI- NESS ENTITY. 14. "LABOR ORGANIZATION" MEANS ANY ORGANIZATION OF ANY KIND WHICH EXISTS FOR THE PURPOSE, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, OF REPRESENTING EMPLOYEES EMPLOYED WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK IN DEALING WITH EMPLOYERS OR EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS OR WITH A STATE GOVERNMENT, OR ANY POLITICAL OR CIVIL SUBDIVISION OR OTHER AGENCY THEREOF, CONCERNING TERMS AND CONDI- TIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, GRIEVANCES, LABOR DISPUTES, OR OTHER MATTERS INCI- DENTAL TO THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTI- CLE, EACH LOCAL, PARENT NATIONAL OR PARENT INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF A STATEWIDE LABOR ORGANIZATION, AND EACH STATEWIDE FEDERATION RECEIVING DUES FROM SUBSIDIARY LABOR ORGANIZATIONS, SHALL BE CONSIDERED A SEPARATE LABOR ORGANIZATION. 15. "INTERMEDIARY" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL, CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP, POLITICAL COMMITTEE, EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER ENTITY WHICH, OTHER THAN IN THE REGULAR COURSE OF BUSINESS AS A POSTAL, DELIVERY, OR MESSEN- GER SERVICE, DELIVERS ANY CONTRIBUTION FROM ANOTHER PERSON OR ENTITY TO A CANDIDATE OR AN AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE. "INTERMEDIARY" SHALL NOT INCLUDE SPOUSES, PARENTS, CHILDREN, OR SIBLINGS OF THE PERSON MAKING SUCH CONTRIBUTION. S 5. Section 14-106 of the election law, as amended by section 2 of part E of chapter 399 of the laws of 2011, is amended to read as follows: S 14-106. Political communication. The statements required to be filed under the provisions of this [article] TITLE next succeeding a primary, general or special election shall be accompanied by a copy of all broad- cast, cable or satellite schedules and scripts, internet, print and other types of advertisements, pamphlets, circulars, flyers, brochures, letterheads and other printed matter purchased or produced, AND REPROD- UCTIONS OF STATEMENTS OR INFORMATION CONVEYED TO FIVE HUNDRED OR MORE MEMBERS OF A GENERAL PUBLIC AUDIENCE BY COMPUTER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC MEANS, purchased in connection with such election by or under the authority of the person filing the statement or the committee or the person on whose behalf it is filed, as the case may be. Such copies, schedules and scripts shall be preserved by the officer with whom or the board with which it is required to be filed for a period of one year from the date of filing thereof. S 6. The election law is amended by adding a new section 14-107 to read as follows: S 14-107. INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE REPORTING. 1. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE: (A) "INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE" MEANS AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY A PERSON FOR AN AUDIO OR VIDEO COMMUNICATION TO A GENERAL PUBLIC AUDIENCE VIA BROADCAST, CABLE OR SATELLITE OR A WRITTEN COMMUNICATION TO A GENERAL PUBLIC AUDIENCE VIA ADVERTISEMENTS, PAMPHLETS, CIRCULARS, FLYERS, BROCHURES, LETTERHEADS OR OTHER PRINTED MATTER AND STATEMENTS OR INFOR- MATION CONVEYED TO FIVE HUNDRED OR MORE MEMBERS OF A GENERAL PUBLIC AUDIENCE BY COMPUTER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHICH: (I) EXPRESSLY ADVOCATES THE ELECTION OR DEFEAT OF A CLEARLY IDENTIFIED CANDIDATE OR THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL AND (II) SUCH CANDIDATE, THE S. 4009 3 CANDIDATE'S POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR ITS AGENTS, OR A POLITICAL COMMITTEE FORMED TO PROMOTE THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL OR ITS AGENTS, DID NOT AUTHORIZE, REQUEST, SUGGEST, FOSTER OR COOPERATE IN ANY SUCH COMMUNICATION. (B) INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES DO NOT INCLUDE: (I) A COMMUNICATION APPEARING IN A WRITTEN NEWS STORY, COMMENTARY, OR EDITORIAL OR DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY BROADCASTING STATION, CABLE OR SATELLITE UNLESS SUCH PUBLICATION OR FACILITIES ARE OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY ANY POLITICAL PARTY, POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR CANDIDATE; OR (II) A COMMUNICATION THAT CONSTITUTES A CANDIDATE DEBATE OR FORUM; OR (III) A COMMUNICATION WHICH CONSTITUTES AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY AN ENTITY REQUIRED TO REPORT SUCH EXPENDITURE WITH A BOARD OF ELECTIONS. (C) "ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION" MEANS A COMMUNICATION THAT: (I) IS DISSEMINATED BY MEANS OF A RADIO, TELEVISION, CABLE, OR SATELLITE BROAD- CAST, A PAID ADVERTISEMENT SUCH AS IN A PERIODICAL OR ON A BILLBOARD, OR A MASS MAILING; (II) IS DISSEMINATED WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF A COVERED PRIMARY OR SPECIAL ELECTION, OR WITHIN SIXTY DAYS OF A COVERED GENERAL ELECTION; AND (III) REFERS TO ONE OR MORE CLEARLY IDENTIFIED BALLOT PROPOSALS AND/OR CANDIDATES FOR A COVERED ELECTION. ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION SHALL NOT INCLUDE A CANDIDATE-RELATED COMMUNICATION MADE BY AN ORGANIZATION OPERATING AND REMAINING IN GOOD STANDING UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986. (D) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, THE TERM "MASS MAILING" MEANS A MAILING BY UNITED STATES MAIL, COMMON CARRIER, OR FACSIMILE OF MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED PIECES OF MAIL MATTER OF AN IDENTICAL OR SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR NATURE WITHIN ANY THIRTY-DAY PERIOD. (E) FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, THE TERM "PERSON" SHALL MEAN PERSON, GROUP OF PERSONS, ENTITY, ORGANIZATION, CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION. (F) FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, THE TERM "INDEPENDENT SPENDER" SHALL MEAN AN INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY THAT MAKES AN INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE. 2. WHENEVER ANY PERSON MAKES ONE OR MORE INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES THAT IN THE AGGREGATE EXCEEDS ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN ANY CALENDAR YEAR, SUCH COMMUNICATION DESCRIBED IN SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION SHALL CLEARLY STATE, WITH RESPECT TO COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING CANDIDATES, THAT THE COMMUNICATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE, ANY CANDIDATE'S POLI- TICAL COMMITTEE OR ANY OF ITS AGENTS. A KNOWING AND WILLFUL VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL SUBJECT THE PERSON TO A CIVIL PENALTY EQUAL TO ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS OR THE COST OF THE COMMUNI- CATION, WHICHEVER IS GREATER, IN A SPECIAL PROCEEDING OR CIVIL ACTION BROUGHT BY THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS. 3. (A) ANY PERSON WHICH MAKES INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES OR ELECTIONEER- ING COMMUNICATIONS THAT COST MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN THE AGGREGATE SHALL REPORT SUCH INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES OR ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATIONS TO THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED IN SECTION 14-108 OF THIS TITLE. (B) ANY INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE OR ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION MADE AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE PERIOD TO BE COVERED IN THE LAST STATEMENT FILED BEFORE ANY PRIMARY, GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION, BUT BEFORE SUCH ELECTION, SHALL BE REPORTED WITHIN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS IN THE SAME MANNER AS PROVIDED FOR IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION 14-108 OF THIS TITLE. 4. EACH SUCH STATEMENT SHALL INCLUDE: (A) THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE STATEMENT; (B) THE NAME, ADDRESS, OCCUPATION, AND EMPLOYER OF THE PERSON MAKING THE INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE OR ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION; S. 4009 4 (C) THE NAME, ADDRESS, OCCUPATION, AND EMPLOYER OF ANY PERSON OR ENTI- TY PROVIDING A GIFT, LOAN, ADVANCE OR DEPOSIT OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS OR MORE FOR THE INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE OR ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION, OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE SAME, AND THE DATE IT WAS GIVEN; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF A MEMBER OF A LABOR ORGANIZA- TION IS NOT REQUIRED FOR A GIFT, LOAN, ADVANCE OR DEPOSIT OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS OR MORE TO A LABOR ORGANIZATION OR A LABOR ORGANIZATION POLI- TICAL ACTION COMMITTEE; (D) THE DOLLAR AMOUNT PAID FOR EACH INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE OR ELECTI- ONEERING COMMUNICATION, THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PERSON OR ENTITY RECEIVING THE PAYMENT, THE DATE THE PAYMENT WAS MADE AND A DESCRIPTION OF THE INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE OR ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION; AND (E) THE ELECTION TO WHICH THE INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE OR ELECTIONEER- ING COMMUNICATION PERTAINS AND THE NAME OF THE CLEARLY IDENTIFIED CANDI- DATE OR THE BALLOT PROPOSAL REFERENCED. 5. ANY REPORT MADE PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL INCLUDE A COPY OF ALL MATERIALS THAT PERTAIN TO THE INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE OR ELECTIO- NEERING COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BROADCAST, CABLE OR SATELLITE SCHEDULE AND SCRIPTS, ADVERTISEMENTS, PAMPHLETS, CIRCULARS, FLYERS, BROCHURES, LETTERHEADS AND OTHER PRINTED MATTER. 6. ANY REPORT OF A LOAN THAT IS MADE FOR AN INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE OR ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION SHALL INCLUDE WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE INDEBTEDNESS. 7. CONTRIBUTIONS: (A) WHEN AN INDEPENDENT SPENDER THAT IS AN ENTITY MAKES COVERED EXPENDITURES OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS OR MORE AGGREGATING FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS OR MORE IN THE TWELVE MONTHS PRECEDING THE ELECTION FOR COMMUNI- CATIONS THAT REFER TO ANY SINGLE CANDIDATE, IT IS REQUIRED TO REPORT: (I) ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ACCEPTED FROM OTHER ENTITIES SINCE THE FIRST DAY OF THE CALENDAR YEAR PRECEDING THE YEAR OF THE COVERED ELECTION; AND (II) ALL CONTRIBUTIONS AGGREGATING ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS OR MORE ACCEPTED FROM AN INDIVIDUAL DURING THE TWELVE MONTHS PRECEDING THE ELECTION. (B) EACH CONTRIBUTIONS SHALL BE DISCLOSED IN THE REPORTING PERIOD IN WHICH IT WAS RECEIVED. THE INDEPENDENT SPENDER SHALL PROVIDE: (I) FOR EACH CONTRIBUTION ACCEPTED FROM ANOTHER ENTITY, THE ENTITY'S NAME, ADDRESS, AND TYPE OF ORGANIZATION; (II) FOR EACH CONTRIBUTION ACCEPTED FROM AN INDIVIDUAL, THE INDIVID- UAL'S NAME, ADDRESS, OCCUPATION, AND EMPLOYER INFORMATION; (III) FOR EACH CONTRIBUTION THE DATE OF RECEIPT AND AMOUNT OF EACH SUCH CONTRIBUTION ACCEPTED; AND (IV) FOR EACH CONTRIBUTION SUCH OTHER SIMILAR INFORMATION AS THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS MAY REQUIRE. (C) CONTRIBUTIONS THAT ARE EARMARKED FOR AN ELECTION THAT IS NOT A COVERED ELECTION, OR FOR AN EXPLICITLY STATED NON-ELECTORAL PURPOSE, ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE REPORTED; PROVIDED, HOWEVER THAT RECORDS OF THESE CONTRIBUTIONS MUST BE MAINTAINED AND MAY BE REQUESTED BY THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS TO VERIFY THEIR QUALIFICATION FOR THIS EXEMPTION. 8. EVERY STATEMENT REQUIRED TO BE FILED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL BE FILED BY ELECTRONIC REPORTING PROCESS OR OVERNIGHT MAIL TO THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS. 9. THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE STATEMENTS REQUIRED TO BE FILED BY THIS SECTION AND SHALL PROVIDE FORMS SUITABLE FOR SUCH STATEMENTS. S 7. Section 14-112 of the election law, as amended by chapter 930 of the laws of 1981, is amended to read as follows: S. 4009 5 S 14-112. Political committee authorization statement. Any political committee aiding or taking part in the election or nomination of any candidate, other than by making contributions, shall file, in the office in which the statements of such committee are to be filed pursuant to this [article] TITLE, either a sworn verified statement by the treasurer of such committee that the candidate has authorized the political committee to aid or take part in his election or that the candidate has not authorized the committee to aid or take part in his election. S 8. Section 14-126 of the election law, as amended by section 3 of part E of chapter 399 of the laws of 2011, is amended to read as follows: S 14-126. Violations; penalties. 1. Any person who fails to file a statement required to be filed by this [article] TITLE shall be subject to a civil penalty, not in excess of one thousand dollars, to be recov- erable in a special proceeding or civil action to be brought by the state board of elections or other board of elections. Any person who, three or more times within a given election cycle for such term of office, fails to file a statement or statements required to be filed by this [article] TITLE, shall be subject to a civil penalty, not in excess of ten thousand dollars, to be recoverable as provided for in this subdivision. 2. ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY AND WILLFULLY FAILS TO IDENTIFY INDEPEND- ENT EXPENDITURES AS REQUIRED BY SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION 14-107 OF THIS TITLE OR KNOWINGLY AND WILLFULLY FAILS TO FILE THE STATEMENT REQUIRED BY SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION 14-112 OF THIS TITLE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A CIVIL PENALTY IN A SPECIAL PROCEEDING OR CIVIL ACTION BROUGHT BY THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS. 3. Any person who, acting as or on behalf of a candidate or political committee, under circumstances evincing an intent to violate such law, unlawfully accepts a contribution in excess of a contribution limitation established in this [article] TITLE, shall be required to refund such excess amount and shall be subject to a civil penalty equal to the excess amount plus a fine of up to ten thousand dollars, to be recovera- ble in a special proceeding or civil action to be brought by the state board of elections. [3.] 4. Any person who knowingly and willfully fails to file a state- ment required to be filed by this [article] TITLE within ten days after the date provided for filing such statement or any person who knowingly and willfully violates any other provision of this [article] TITLE shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. [4.] 5. Any person who knowingly and willfully contributes, accepts or aids or participates in the acceptance of a contribution in an amount exceeding an applicable maximum specified in this [article] TITLE shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. [5.] 6. Any person who shall, acting on behalf of a candidate or poli- tical committee, knowingly and willfully solicit, organize or coordinate the formation of activities of one or more unauthorized committees, make expenditures in connection with the nomination for election or election of any candidate, or solicit any person to make any such expenditures, for the purpose of evading the contribution limitations of this [arti- cle] TITLE, shall be guilty of a class E felony. S 9. Sections 14-100 through 14-132 of article 14 of the election law are designated title 1 and a new title heading is added to read as follows: CAMPAIGN RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES S. 4009 6 S 10. Article 14 of the election law is amended by adding a new title 2 to read as follows: TITLE II PUBLIC FINANCING SECTION 14-200. DEFINITIONS. 14-202. ELIGIBILITY. 14-204. QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES. 14-206. OPTIONAL PUBLIC FINANCING. 14-208. CONTRIBUTION AND RECEIPT LIMITATIONS. 14-210. LIMITATIONS ON THE RECEIPT OF PUBLIC FUNDS. 14-212. EXAMINATIONS AND AUDITS; REPAYMENTS. 14-214. CIVIL PENALTIES. 14-216. DEBATES. S 14-200. DEFINITIONS. AS USED IN THIS TITLE, UNLESS ANOTHER MEANING IS CLEARLY INDICATED: 1. THE TERM "STATE BOARD" SHALL MEAN THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS. 2. THE TERM "ELIGIBLE CANDIDATE" SHALL MEAN A CANDIDATE FOR NOMINATION OR ELECTION TO ANY OF THE OFFICES OF GOVERNOR, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, COMPTROLLER, ATTORNEY GENERAL, MEMBER OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE, AT-LARGE DELEGATE TO A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OR DISTRICT DELEGATE TO A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. 3. THE TERM "PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE" SHALL MEAN A SINGLE POLITICAL COMMITTEE WHICH A CANDIDATE CERTIFIES IS THE COMMITTEE THAT WILL SOLELY BE USED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC FINANCING SYSTEM ESTABLISHED BY THIS TITLE AFTER JANUARY FIRST OF THE YEAR IN WHICH THE PRIMARY, GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION IS HELD FOR THE PUBLIC OFFICE SOUGHT. A MULTI-CAN- DIDATE COMMITTEE MAY NOT BE A PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE. 4. THE TERM "PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE" SHALL MEAN A CANDIDATE WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OPTIONAL PUBLIC FINANCING SYSTEM ESTAB- LISHED BY THIS TITLE, HAS MET THE THRESHOLD FOR ELIGIBILITY AND HAS ELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC FINANCING SYSTEM. 5. THE TERM "MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTIONS" SHALL MEAN THAT PORTION OF THE AGGREGATE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE (A) IN THE CASE OF A PRIMARY OR GENERAL ELECTION, AFTER JANUARY FIRST OF THE YEAR IN WHICH THE PRIMARY OR GENER- AL ELECTION IS HELD FOR THE PUBLIC OFFICE SOUGHT OR (B) IN THE CASE OF A SPECIAL ELECTION, WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF SUCH ELECTION BY NATURAL PERSONS RESIDENT IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK TO A CANDIDATE FOR NOMINATION OR ELECTION TO ANY OF THE OFFICES COVERED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE WHICH DO NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS, WHICH HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN FULL BY THE CANDIDATE'S PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE TO THE STATE BOARD, INCLUDING THE CONTRIBUTOR'S FULL NAME AND RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. A LOAN MAY NOT BE TREATED AS A MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTION. THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS ARE NOT MATCHABLE: (I) IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS OF PROPERTY, GOODS, OR SERVICES; (II) CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE FORM OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID FOR AN ITEM WITH SIGNIFICANT INTRINSIC AND ENDURING VALUE; (III) CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE FORM OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID FOR OR OTHERWISE INDUCED BY A CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN A RAFFLE, LOTTERY, OR SIMILAR DRAWING FOR VALUABLE PRIZES; (IV) MONEY ORDER CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ANY ONE CONTRIBUTOR THAT ARE, IN THE AGGREGATE, GREATER THAN ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS; (V) CONTRIBUTIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN YEARS; (VI) CONTRIBUTIONS FROM INDIVIDUAL VENDORS TO WHOM THE PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE OR HIS OR HER PRINCIPAL COMMITTEE MAKES AN EXPENDITURE, IN FURTHERANCE OF THE NOMINATION FOR ELECTION OR ELECTION COVERED BY THE S. 4009 7 CANDIDATE'S CERTIFICATION, UNLESS SUCH EXPENDITURE IS REIMBURSING AN ADVANCE; AND (VII) CONTRIBUTION FROM LOBBYISTS REGISTERED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE ONE-A OF THE LEGISLATIVE LAW. 6. THE TERM "QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE" SHALL MEAN AN EXPENDITURE FOR WHICH PUBLIC FUNDS MAY BE USED. 7. THE TERM "FUND" SHALL MEAN THE NEW YORK STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND. 8. THE TERM "THRESHOLD FOR ELIGIBILITY" SHALL MEAN THE AMOUNT OF TOTAL MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT THE PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE OF AN OTHERWISE ELIGIBLE CANDIDATE MUST RECEIVE, AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 14-202 OF THIS TITLE, IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR OPTIONAL PUBLIC FINANCING PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE. 9. THE TERM "CONTRIBUTION" SHALL HAVE THE SAME MEANING AS IN SUBDIVI- SION NINE OF SECTION 14-100 OF THIS ARTICLE. 10. THE TERM "PUBLIC FUNDING LIMIT" SHALL MEAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF PUBLIC FUNDS THAT A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE MAY RECEIVE FOR ANY PRIMARY OR GENERAL ELECTION. S 14-202. ELIGIBILITY. 1. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR OPTIONAL PUBLIC FINANCING UNDER THIS TITLE, A CANDIDATE FOR NOMINATION OR ELECTION MUST: (A) MEET ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS CHAPTER AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF LAW TO HAVE HIS OR HER NAME ON THE BALLOT; (B) BE A CANDIDATE FOR STATEWIDE OFFICE, THE STATE LEGISLATURE OR DELEGATE TO A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION AT A PRIMARY, GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION AND MEET THE THRESHOLD FOR ELIGIBILITY SET FORTH IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION; (C) ELECT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC FINANCING SYSTEM ESTABLISHED BY THIS TITLE NOT LATER THAN SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE LAST DAY TO FILE DESIG- NATING PETITIONS FOR THE OFFICE SUCH CANDIDATE IS SEEKING OR, IN THE CASE OF A SPECIAL ELECTION, NOT LATER THAN THE LAST DAY TO FILE NOMINAT- ING CERTIFICATES FOR SUCH OFFICE; (D) AGREE TO OBTAIN AND FURNISH TO THE STATE BOARD ANY EVIDENCE IT MAY REASONABLY REQUEST RELATING TO HIS OR HER CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES OR CONTRIBUTIONS AND FURNISH SUCH OTHER PROOF OF COMPLIANCE WITH THIS TITLE AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY THE STATE BOARD; (E) HAVE A SINGLE AUTHORIZED POLITICAL COMMITTEE WHICH HE OR SHE CERTIFIES AS THE PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE; AND (F) AGREE TO IDENTIFY ACCURATELY IN ALL CAMPAIGN MATERIALS THE PERSON OR ENTITY THAT PAID FOR SUCH CAMPAIGN MATERIAL. 2. THE THRESHOLD FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC FUNDING FOR CANDIDATES IN A PRIMARY, GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICES SHALL BE: (A) GOVERNOR IN A PRIMARY OR GENERAL ELECTION. NOT LESS THAN SIX HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM AT LEAST SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE UP OF SUMS OF UP TO TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS PER INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR WHO RESIDES IN NEW YORK STATE. (B) LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR IN A PRIMARY ELECTION AND COMPTROLLER OR ATTORNEY GENERAL IN A PRIMARY OR GENERAL ELECTION. NOT LESS THAN TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM AT LEAST TWO THOUSAND MATCHABLE CONTRIB- UTIONS MADE UP OF SUMS OF UP TO TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS PER INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR WHO RESIDES IN NEW YORK STATE. (C) MEMBERS OF THE STATE SENATE IN A PRIMARY, GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION. NOT LESS THAN TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM AT LEAST TWO HUNDRED FIFTY MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE UP OF SUMS OF UP TO TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS PER INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR WHO RESIDES IN NEW YORK S. 4009 8 STATE INCLUDING AT LEAST TWELVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS FROM AT LEAST ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS WHO RESIDE IN THE SENATE DISTRICT IN WHICH THE SEAT IS TO BE FILLED. (D) MEMBERS OF THE ASSEMBLY IN A PRIMARY, GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION. NOT LESS THAN TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM AT LEAST ONE HUNDRED MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE UP OF SUMS OF UP TO TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS PER INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR WHO RESIDES IN NEW YORK STATE INCLUDING AT LEAST FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM AT LEAST FIFTY INDIVIDUALS WHO RESIDE IN THE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT IN WHICH THE SEAT IS TO BE FILLED. (E) AT-LARGE DELEGATE TO A CONDITIONAL CONVENTION IN A PRIMARY OR GENERAL ELECTION. NOT LESS THAN TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM AT LEAST TWO HUNDRED MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE UP OF SUMS OF UP TO TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS PER INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR WHO RESIDES IN NEW YORK STATE. (F) DISTRICT DELEGATE TO A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION IN A PRIMARY OR GENERAL ELECTION. NOT LESS THAN FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM AT LEAST FIFTY MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE UP OF SUMS OF UP TO TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS PER INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR WHO RESIDES IN THE DISTRICT IN WHICH THE SEAT IS TO BE FILLED. 3. IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE PUBLIC FUNDS IN A PRIMARY ELECTION A CANDIDATE MUST AGREE, THAT IN THE EVENT SUCH CANDIDATE IS A CANDIDATE FOR SUCH OFFICE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION IN SUCH YEAR, THAT SUCH CANDIDATE WILL BE BOUND BY THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE. 4. CANDIDATES WHO ARE CONTESTED IN A PRIMARY ELECTION AND WHO DO NOT SEEK PUBLIC FUNDS SHALL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC FUNDS FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION IN THAT YEAR. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL NOT APPLY TO CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR. 5. CANDIDATES WHO ARE UNOPPOSED IN A GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION SHALL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE PUBLIC FUNDS. 6. NO CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION TO AN OFFICE IN A PRIMARY, GENERAL, OR SPECIAL ELECTION WHO HAS ELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC FINANCING SYSTEM SHALL BE DEEMED OPPOSED AND RECEIVE PUBLIC FUNDS UNLESS AT LEAST ONE OTHER CANDIDATE FOR SUCH OFFICE IN SUCH ELECTION HAS ALSO QUALIFIED FOR THE BALLOT. S 14-204. QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES. 1. PUBLIC FUNDS PROVIDED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE MAY ONLY BE USED FOR EXPENDITURES BY THE PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE AUTHORIZED BY THE CANDIDATE TO MAKE EXPENDI- TURES ON SUCH CANDIDATE'S BEHALF, TO FURTHER THE CANDIDATE'S NOMINATION OR ELECTION AFTER JANUARY FIRST OF THE YEAR IN WHICH THE PRIMARY OR GENERAL ELECTION IS HELD FOR THE OFFICE SOUGHT, FOR SERVICES, MATERIALS, FACILITIES OR OTHER THINGS OF VALUE USED DURING THAT CAMPAIGN CYCLE OR, IN THE CASE OF A SPECIAL ELECTION, FOR EXPENDITURES DURING THE PERIOD COMMENCING THREE MONTHS BEFORE AND ENDING ONE MONTH AFTER SUCH SPECIAL ELECTION. 2. SUCH PUBLIC FUNDS MAY NOT BE USED FOR: (A) AN EXPENDITURE IN VIOLATION OF ANY LAW OF THE UNITED STATES OR OF THIS STATE; (B) PAYMENTS FOR ANYTHING OF VALUE GIVEN OR MADE TO THE CANDIDATE, A RELATIVE OF THE CANDIDATE, OR TO A BUSINESS ENTITY IN WHICH ANY SUCH PERSON HAS A TEN PERCENT OR GREATER OWNERSHIP INTEREST OR OF WHICH ANY SUCH PERSON IS AN OFFICER, DIRECTOR OR EMPLOYEE, IN EXCESS OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE SERVICES, MATERIALS, FACILITIES, OR OTHER THINGS OF VALUE RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE; (C) PAYMENT IN EXCESS OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF SERVICES, MATERIALS, FACILITIES OR OTHER THINGS OF VALUE RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE; (D) ANY EXPENDITURE MADE AFTER THE PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE, OR THE ONLY REMAINING OPPONENT OF SUCH CANDIDATE, HAS BEEN DISQUALIFIED OR HAD S. 4009 9 SUCH CANDIDATE'S PETITIONS DECLARED INVALID BY A BOARD OF ELECTIONS OR A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION UNTIL AND UNLESS SUCH FINDING IS REVERSED BY A HIGHER AUTHORITY. (E) ANY EXPENDITURE MADE TO CHALLENGE THE VALIDITY OF ANY PETITION OF DESIGNATION OR NOMINATION OR ANY CERTIFICATE OF NOMINATION, ACCEPTANCE, AUTHORIZATION, DECLINATION OR SUBSTITUTION; (F) EXPENDITURE FOR NONCAMPAIGN RELATED FOOD, DRINK OR ENTERTAINMENT; AND (G) GIFTS, EXCEPT BROCHURES, BUTTONS, SIGNS AND OTHER CAMPAIGN MATERI- AL. S 14-206. OPTIONAL PUBLIC FINANCING. 1. PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES FOR NOMINATION OR ELECTION IN PRIMARY, GENERAL AND SPECIAL ELECTIONS MAY OBTAIN PAYMENT TO A PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE FROM PUBLIC FUNDS FOR QUALI- FIED CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES. NO SUCH PUBLIC FUNDS SHALL BE PAID TO A PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE UNTIL THE CANDIDATE HAS QUALIFIED TO APPEAR ON THE BALLOT AND FILED A SWORN STATEMENT WITH THE STATE BOARD ELECTING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OPTIONAL PUBLIC FINANCING SYSTEM AND AGREEING TO ABIDE BY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS TITLE. PAYMENTS SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNTS SPECIFIED IN THIS TITLE, AND SHALL BE MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE. SUCH PAYMENTS MAY ONLY BE MADE TO A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE'S PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE. NO PUBLIC FUNDS SHALL BE USED EXCEPT AS REIMBURSEMENT OR PAYMENT FOR QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES ACTUALLY AND LAWFULLY INCURRED OR TO REPAY LOANS USED TO PAY QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES. 2. THE PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE OF EACH PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE SHALL BE ENTITLED TO SIX DOLLARS IN PUBLIC FUNDS FOR EACH ONE DOLLAR OF MATCH- ABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OBTAINED AND REPORTED TO THE STATE BOARD IN ACCORD- ANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, SUCH PUBLIC FUNDS SHALL ONLY BE USED FOR QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES. 3. (A) NO PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE FOR NOMINATION FOR AN OFFICE WHO IS UNOPPOSED IN A PRIMARY ELECTION SHALL BE ENTITLED TO PAYMENT FROM THE FUND FOR QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES. (B) WHERE THERE IS A CONTEST IN SUCH PRIMARY FOR THE NOMINATION OF AT LEAST ONE OTHER PARTY FOR SUCH OFFICE, THE PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE OF AN UNOPPOSED PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE FOR NOMINATION MAY RAISE AND SPEND AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO ONE-HALF THE EXPENDITURE LIMIT FOR SUCH OFFICE, AS FIXED BY THIS TITLE FOR CANDIDATES WHO HAVE ELECTED TO ACCEPT PUBLIC FUNDS, WITH CONTRIBUTIONS OF UP TO TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS PER CONTRIBUTOR. SUCH PAYMENT CAN ONLY BE EXPENDED FOR PROPERTY, SERVICES OR FACILITIES USED ON OR BEFORE THE DATE OF SUCH PRIMARY ELECTION. 4. THE STATE BOARD SHALL PROMPTLY EXAMINE ALL REPORTS OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO DETERMINE WHETHER THEY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MATCHABLE CONTRIB- UTIONS, AND SHALL KEEP A RECORD OF SUCH CONTRIBUTIONS. 5. THE STATE BOARD SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS PAYABLE BY THE COMPTROLLER, FROM THE FUND ESTAB- LISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION NINETY-TWO-T OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW, TO A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE THAT HAS QUALIFIED TO RECEIVE SUCH PAYMENT. THESE REGULATIONS SHALL INCLUDE THE PROMULGATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FORMS ON WHICH CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES ARE TO BE REPORTED, THE PERIODS DURING WHICH SUCH REPORTS MUST BE FILED AND THE VERIFICATION REQUIRED. THE STATE BOARD SHALL INSTITUTE PROCEDURES WHICH WILL MAKE POSSIBLE PAYMENT BY THE FUND WITHIN FOUR BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF THE REQUIRED FORMS AND VERIFICATIONS. S 14-208. CONTRIBUTION AND RECEIPT LIMITATIONS. 1. IN ANY PRIMARY, SPECIAL OR GENERAL ELECTION FOR ANY STATEWIDE OFFICE, STATE LEGISLATIVE OFFICE OR CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATE NO CONTRIBUTOR MAY MAKE A S. 4009 10 CONTRIBUTION TO ANY PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE OR SUCH CANDIDATE'S PARTIC- IPATING COMMITTEE, AND NO PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE OR PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE MAY ACCEPT ANY CONTRIBUTION FROM ANY CONTRIBUTOR WHICH, IN THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT, IS GREATER THAN TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS. 2. (A) NOTWITHSTANDING THE EXPENDITURE LIMIT FOR SUCH OFFICE AS FIXED BY THIS TITLE FOR CANDIDATES WHO HAVE ELECTED TO ACCEPT PUBLIC FUNDS, A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR OR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR IN A PRIMARY OR GENERAL ELECTION OR SUCH CANDIDATE'S PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE MAY ACCEPT FROM A STATE PARTY COMMITTEE WHICH HAS NOMINATED SUCH CANDIDATE SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT WHICH, IN THE AGGREGATE, DOES NOT EXCEED TWO MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF SUCH AMOUNT MAY BE ACCEPTED IN THE FORM OF A TRANSFER. (B) NOTWITHSTANDING THE EXPENDITURE LIMIT FOR SUCH OFFICE AS FIXED BY THIS TITLE FOR CANDIDATES WHO HAVE ELECTED TO ACCEPT PUBLIC FUNDS, A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL OR COMPTROLLER IN A PRIMARY OR GENERAL ELECTION OR SUCH CANDIDATE'S PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE MAY ACCEPT FROM A STATE PARTY COMMITTEE WHICH HAS NOMINATED SUCH CANDIDATE SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT WHICH, IN THE AGGREGATE, DOES NOT EXCEED ONE MILLION DOLLARS; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF SUCH AMOUNT MAY BE ACCEPTED IN THE FORM OF A TRANSFER. (C) NOTWITHSTANDING THE EXPENDITURE LIMIT FOR SUCH OFFICE AS FIXED BY THIS TITLE FOR CANDIDATES WHO HAVE ELECTED TO ACCEPT PUBLIC FUNDS, A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE FOR STATE SENATOR IN A PRIMARY, GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION OR SUCH CANDIDATE'S PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE MAY ACCEPT FROM A STATE PARTY COMMITTEE WHICH HAS NOMINATED SUCH CANDIDATE, SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT WHICH, IN THE AGGREGATE, DOES NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF SUCH AMOUNT MAY BE ACCEPTED IN THE FORM OF A TRANSFER. (D) NOTWITHSTANDING THE EXPENDITURE LIMIT FOR SUCH OFFICE AS FIXED BY THIS TITLE FOR CANDIDATES WHO HAVE ELECTED TO ACCEPT PUBLIC FUNDS, A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY IN A PRIMARY, GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION OR SUCH CANDIDATE'S PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE MAY ACCEPT FROM A STATE PARTY COMMITTEE WHICH HAS NOMINATED SUCH CANDIDATE, SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT WHICH, IN THE AGGREGATE, DOES NOT EXCEED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF SUCH AMOUNT MAY BE ACCEPTED IN THE FORM OF A TRANSFER. (E) NOTWITHSTANDING THE EXPENDITURE LIMIT FOR SUCH OFFICE AS FIXED BY THIS TITLE FOR CANDIDATES WHO HAVE ELECTED TO ACCEPT PUBLIC FUNDS, A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE FOR DELEGATE AT-LARGE TO A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION IN A GENERAL ELECTION OR SUCH CANDIDATE'S PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE MAY ACCEPT FROM A STATE PARTY COMMITTEE WHICH HAS NOMINATED SUCH CANDIDATE SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT WHICH, IN THE AGGREGATE, DOES NOT EXCEED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF SUCH AMOUNT MAY BE ACCEPTED IN THE FORM OF A TRANSFER. (F) NOTWITHSTANDING THE EXPENDITURE LIMIT FOR SUCH OFFICE AS FIXED BY THIS TITLE FOR CANDIDATES WHO HAVE ELECTED TO ACCEPT PUBLIC FUNDS, A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE FOR DISTRICT DELEGATE TO A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION IN A GENERAL ELECTION OR SUCH CANDIDATE'S PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE MAY ACCEPT FROM A STATE PARTY COMMITTEE WHICH HAS NOMINATED SUCH CANDIDATE, SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT WHICH, IN THE AGGREGATE, DOES NOT EXCEED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF SUCH AMOUNT MAY BE ACCEPTED IN THE FORM OF A TRANSFER. (G) FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SUBDIVISION, THE TERM STATE PARTY COMMITTEE INCLUDES ANY OF ITS SUBCOMMITTEES. S. 4009 11 3. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY EXPENDITURE LIMIT IN THIS SUBDIVISION, EACH COUNTY COMMITTEE OF ANY PARTY WHICH NOMINATES A CANDIDATE FOR STATEWIDE OFFICE OR STATE LEGISLATIVE OFFICE, INCLUDING WITHIN THE TERM COUNTY COMMITTEE ANY OF ITS SUBCOMMITTEES, MAY EXPEND IN SUPPORT OF EACH SUCH CANDIDATE FOR STATEWIDE OFFICE OF SUCH PARTY WHO HAS AGREED TO ACCEPT PUBLIC FINANCING, AN AMOUNT WHICH SHALL NOT EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO CENTS FOR EACH VOTER REGISTERED IN SUCH COUNTY AS DETERMINED BY THE RECORDS OF THE APPROPRIATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS AS OF THE PRECEDING GENERAL ELECTION. 4. IN COMPUTING THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT EXPENDED FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, EXPENDITURES MADE BY A STATE PARTY COMMITTEE OR A COUNTY COMMITTEE IN SUPPORT OF MORE THAN ONE CANDIDATE SHALL BE ALLOCATED AMONG SUCH CANDIDATES SUPPORTED BY THE COMMITTEE IN ACCORDANCE WITH FORMULAS PROMULGATED BY THE STATE BOARD OR, IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH OFFICIAL FORMULAS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH A FORMULA BASED UPON REASONABLE STANDARDS. THE STATEMENTS FILED BY SUCH PARTY COMMITTEE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS CHAPTER SHALL SET FORTH, IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER INFORMATION REQUIRED, THE TOTAL AMOUNT EXPENDED BY THE PARTY COMMITTEE ON BEHALF OF ALL SUCH CANDIDATES AND THE AMOUNT ALLOCATED TO EACH CANDIDATE BY DOLLAR AMOUNT AND PERCENTAGE. EXPENDITURES BY A PARTY FOR ACTIVITIES WHICH DO NOT SUPPORT OR OPPOSE THE ELECTION OF ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATES BY NAME OR BY CLEAR INFERENCE SHALL NOT BE REGARDED AS EXPENDITURES ON BEHALF OF OR IN OPPOSITION TO A CANDIDATE. 5. A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE FOR A PUBLIC OFFICE FOR WHICH PUBLIC FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE SHALL NOT ACCEPT ANY CONTRIB- UTIONS ANY EARLIER THAN ONE DAY AFTER THE PREVIOUS GENERAL ELECTION FOR THE OFFICE WHICH SUCH CANDIDATE IS SEEKING, OR ANY LATER THAN THE DAY OF THE GENERAL ELECTION FOR THE OFFICE SOUGHT, EXCEPT THAT A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE OR PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE WHICH HAS A DEFICIT ON THE DAY OF THE GENERAL ELECTION MAY, AFTER SUCH DATE, ACCEPT CONTRIBUTIONS WHICH DO NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF SUCH DEFICIT AND THE EXPENSES INCURRED IN RAIS- ING SUCH CONTRIBUTIONS. CONTRIBUTIONS TO A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE OR PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE WHICH WERE RECEIVED BEFORE JANUARY FIRST OF THE YEAR IN WHICH THE PRIMARY OR GENERAL ELECTION IS HELD FOR THE PUBLIC OFFICE SOUGHT OR, IN THE CASE OF A SPECIAL ELECTION RECEIVED MORE THAN SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE SPECIAL ELECTION, MAY NOT BE EXPENDED IN ANY ELECTION FOR ANY SUCH OFFICE. 6. EXCEPT FOR THE LIMITATIONS SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION, PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE. S 14-210. LIMITATIONS ON THE RECEIPT OF PUBLIC FUNDS. THE FOLLOWING EXPENDITURE LIMITATIONS APPLY TO THE RECEIPT OF PUBLIC FUNDS BY PARTIC- IPATING CANDIDATES AND THEIR PARTICIPATING COMMITTEES RECEIVING SUCH PUBLIC FUNDS PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE: 1. (A) IN ANY PRIMARY ELECTION, RECEIPT OF PUBLIC FUNDS BY PARTICIPAT- ING CANDIDATES AND BY THEIR PARTICIPATING COMMITTEES SHALL NOT EXCEED: (I) FOR GOVERNOR, THE SUM OF ONE DOLLAR AND TEN CENTS FOR EACH VOTER ENROLLED IN THE CANDIDATE'S PARTY IN THE STATE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, SUCH SUM SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN NINE MILLION DOLLARS; (II) FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, COMPTROLLER OR ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE SUM OF ONE DOLLAR AND TEN CENTS FOR EACH VOTER ENROLLED IN THE CANDIDATE'S PARTY IN THE STATE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, SUCH SUM SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN SIX MILLION DOLLARS; (III) FOR SENATOR, THE SUM OF TWO DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS FOR EACH VOTER ENROLLED IN THE CANDIDATE'S PARTY IN THE SENATE DISTRICT; S. 4009 12 PROVIDED, HOWEVER, SUCH SUM SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN THIRTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN THREE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS; (IV) FOR MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY, THE SUM OF TWO DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS FOR EACH VOTER ENROLLED IN THE CANDIDATE'S PARTY IN THE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, SUCH SUM SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS; (V) FOR AT-LARGE DELEGATE TO A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION, THE SUM OF FIFTEEN CENTS FOR EACH VOTER ENROLLED IN THE CANDIDATE'S PARTY IN THE STATE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, SUCH SUM SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS; (VI) FOR DISTRICT DELEGATES TO A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION, THE SUM OF ONE DOLLAR AND TEN CENTS FOR EACH VOTER ENROLLED IN THE CANDIDATE'S PARTY IN THE DISTRICT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, SUCH SUM SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS; (B) THE ENROLLMENT NUMBERS USED TO CALCULATE THE PUBLIC FUNDS RECEIPT LIMITS PROVIDED FOR IN THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL BE THE ENROLLMENTS DULY REPORTED BY THE APPROPRIATE BOARD OR BOARDS AS OF THE LAST GENERAL ELECTION PRECEDING THE PRIMARY ELECTION. 2. IN ANY GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION, RECEIPT OF PUBLIC FUNDS BY PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICES AND BY THEIR PARTIC- IPATING COMMITTEES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE FOLLOWING AMOUNTS: CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION TO THE OFFICE OF: GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR $12,000,000 (COMBINED) ATTORNEY GENERAL $8,000,000 COMPTROLLER $8,000,000 MEMBER OF SENATE $350,000 MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY $150,000 DELEGATE AT-LARGE TO A CONSTITUTIONAL $350,000 CONVENTION DISTRICT DELEGATE TO A CONSTITUTIONAL $75,000 CONVENTION 3. PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE WHO ARE UNOPPOSED IN THE PRIMA- RY ELECTION MAY RECEIVE PUBLIC FUNDS BEFORE THE PRIMARY ELECTION, FOR SERVICES, MATERIALS OR FACILITIES USED ON OR BEFORE THE DATE OF SUCH PRIMARY ELECTION, AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO HALF THE SUM SUCH CANDIDATES WOULD BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE IF THEIR NOMINATION WAS CONTESTED IN SUCH PRIMARY ELECTION PROVIDED THERE IS A PRIMARY CONTEST FOR THE NOMINATION OF AT LEAST ONE OTHER PARTY FOR SUCH OFFICE. 4. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF PRIVATE FUNDS A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE MAY RECEIVE SUBJECT TO THE CONTRIBUTION LIMITS CONTAINED IN SECTION 14-208 OF THIS TITLE. 5. EXPENDITURES FOR LEGAL FEES AND REASONABLE EXPENSES TO DEFEND THE VALIDITY OF PETITIONS OF DESIGNATION OR NOMINATION OR CERTIFICATES OF NOMINATION, ACCEPTANCE, AUTHORIZATION, DECLINATION OR SUBSTITUTION, OR TO SUCCESSFULLY CHALLENGE ANY SUCH PETITION OR CERTIFICATE ON GROUNDS OF FRAUD, OR FOR EXPENSES INCURRED TO COMPLY WITH THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ARTICLE, SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO THE EXPENDITURE LIMITS OF THIS SUBDIVISION. S 14-212. EXAMINATIONS AND AUDITS; REPAYMENTS. 1. THE ENFORCEMENT UNIT OF THE STATE BOARD SHALL CONDUCT A THOROUGH EXAMINATION AND AUDIT OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENSES OF THE PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE OF EVERY PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE WHO RECEIVED PAYMENTS PURSU- ANT TO SECTION 14-206 OF THIS TITLE. S. 4009 13 2. (A) IF THE STATE BOARD DETERMINES THAT ANY PORTION OF THE PAYMENT MADE TO A PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE FROM THE FUND WAS IN EXCESS OF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF PAYMENTS TO WHICH SUCH ELIGIBLE CANDIDATE WAS ENTI- TLED PURSUANT TO SECTION 14-206 OF THIS TITLE, IT SHALL NOTIFY SUCH COMMITTEE OF THE EXCESS AMOUNT AND SUCH COMMITTEE SHALL PAY TO THE STATE BOARD AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE AMOUNT OF EXCESS PAYMENTS. (B) IF THE STATE BOARD DETERMINES THAT ANY AMOUNT OF PAYMENT MADE TO A PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE FROM THE FUND WAS USED FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN TO DEFRAY QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENSES, IT SHALL NOTIFY SUCH PARTICIPAT- ING COMMITTEE OF THE AMOUNT DISQUALIFIED AND SUCH PARTICIPATING COMMIT- TEE SHALL PAY TO THE STATE BOARD AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO SUCH DISQUALIFIED AMOUNT. (C) IF THE TOTAL OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND PAYMENTS FROM THE FUND RECEIVED BY ANY PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE AND SUCH CANDIDATE'S PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE, EXCEEDS THE CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES OF SUCH CANDIDATE AND COMMITTEE, SUCH CANDIDATE AND COMMITTEE SHALL USE SUCH EXCESS FUNDS TO REIMBURSE THE FUND FOR PAYMENTS RECEIVED BY SUCH COMMITTEE FROM THE FUND NOT LATER THAN TEN DAYS AFTER ALL PERMISSIBLE LIABILITIES HAVE BEEN PAID AND IN ANY EVENT, NOT LATER THAN MARCH THIRTY-FIRST OF THE YEAR FOLLOW- ING THE YEAR OF THE ELECTION FOR WHICH SUCH PAYMENTS WERE INTENDED. NO SUCH EXCESS FUNDS SHALL BE USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE. 3. IF A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION DISQUALIFIES A CANDIDATE WHOSE PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE HAS RECEIVED PUBLIC FUNDS ON THE GROUNDS THAT SUCH CANDIDATE COMMITTED FRAUDULENT ACTS IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A PLACE ON THE BALLOT AND SUCH DECISION IS NOT REVERSED BY A HIGHER COURT, SUCH CANDIDATE AND SUCH CANDIDATE'S PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE SHALL PAY TO THE STATE BOARD AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE TOTAL OF PUBLIC FUNDS RECEIVED BY SUCH PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE. 4. THE STATE BOARD MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE OF ALL PAYMENTS DUE FROM A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE OR SUCH CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE TO THE STATE BOARD AND PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE CANDIDATE OR COMMITTEE TO REBUT, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, THE ALLEGED AMOUNT DUE. UPON A FINAL WRITTEN DETERMINATION BY THE STATE BOARD, THE AMOUNT DUE SHALL BE PAID TO THE STATE BOARD WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF SUCH DETERMINATION. 5. ALL PAYMENTS RECEIVED BY THE STATE BOARD PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL BE DEPOSITED IN THE NEW YORK STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND ESTAB- LISHED BY SECTION NINETY-TWO-T OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW. S 14-214. CIVIL PENALTIES. 1. ANY PERSON WHO FAILS TO FILE A STATEMENT OR RECORD REQUIRED TO BE FILED BY THIS TITLE OR THE RULES OR REGULATIONS OF THE STATE BOARD IN IMPLEMENTATION THEREOF SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A CIVIL PENALTY, NOT IN EXCESS OF FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS, TO BE RECOVERABLE IN A SPECIAL PROCEEDING OR CIVIL ACTION BROUGHT BY THE STATE BOARD. 2. ALL PAYMENTS RECEIVED BY THE STATE BOARD PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL BE DEPOSITED IN THE NEW YORK STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND ESTAB- LISHED BY SECTION NINETY-TWO-T OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW. S 14-216. DEBATES. THE STATE BOARD SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO FACILITATE DEBATES AMONG PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES. PARTICIPATING CANDI- DATES ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN AT LEAST ONE DEBATE BEFORE THE PRIMARY ELECTION AND IN AT LEAST ONE DEBATE BEFORE THE GENERAL ELECTION FOR WHICH THE CANDIDATE RECEIVES PUBLIC FUNDS, UNLESS THE PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE IS RUNNING UNOPPOSED. A NONPARTICIPATING CANDIDATE MAY BE A PARTY TO SUCH DEBATES. S 11. The election law is amended by adding a new section 16-103 to read as follows: S 16-103. PROCEEDINGS AS TO PUBLIC FINANCING. 1. THE DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY PURSUANT TO SECTION 14-202 OF THIS CHAPTER AND ANY QUESTION S. 4009 14 OR ISSUE RELATING TO PAYMENTS FOR QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES PURSU- ANT TO SECTION 14-206 OF THIS CHAPTER MAY BE CONTESTED IN A PROCEEDING INSTITUTED IN THE SUPREME COURT, ALBANY COUNTY, BY ANY AGGRIEVED CANDI- DATE. 2. A PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO SUCH A DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY OR PAYMENT FOR QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES PURSUANT TO SECTION 14-206 OF THIS CHAPTER SHALL BE INSTITUTED WITHIN SEVEN DAYS AFTER SUCH DETER- MINATION WAS MADE. THE STATE BOARD SHALL BE MADE A PARTY TO ANY SUCH PROCEEDING. 3. UPON THE STATE BOARD'S FAILURE TO RECEIVE THE AMOUNT DUE FROM A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE OR SUCH CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE AFTER THE ISSUANCE OF WRITTEN NOTICE OF SUCH AMOUNT DUE, AS REQUIRED BY SUBDIVISION FOUR OF SECTION 14-212 OF THIS CHAPTER, THE STATE BOARD IS AUTHORIZED TO INSTI- TUTE A SPECIAL PROCEEDING OR CIVIL ACTION IN SUPREME COURT, ALBANY COUN- TY, TO OBTAIN A JUDGMENT FOR ANY AMOUNTS DETERMINED TO BE PAYABLE TO THE STATE BOARD AS A RESULT OF AN EXAMINATION AND AUDIT MADE PURSUANT TO TITLE II OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER. 4. THE STATE BOARD IS AUTHORIZED TO INSTITUTE A SPECIAL PROCEEDING OR CIVIL ACTION IN SUPREME COURT, ALBANY COUNTY, TO OBTAIN A JUDGMENT FOR CIVIL PENALTIES DETERMINED TO BE PAYABLE TO THE STATE BOARD PURSUANT TO SECTION 14-214 OF THIS CHAPTER. S 12. The election law is amended by adding a new section 4-115 to read as follows: S 4-115. NOTICE TO THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR THE LEGISLATURE. 1. EACH BOARD OF ELECTIONS WITH WHICH PETITIONS ARE FILED FOR MEMBER OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE SHALL, NOT LATER THAN ONE WEEK AFTER THE LAST DAY TO FILE SUCH PETITIONS, SEND NOTICE TO THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS OF SUCH INFORMATION ABOUT EACH SUCH PETITION AS THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS SHALL REQUIRE. 2. EACH SUCH COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS SHALL, NOT LATER THAN THE DAY AFTER THE LAST DAY TO FILE A PETITION OR CERTIFICATE OF NOMINATION FOR A GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION OR A CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE, DECLINATION OR SUBSTITUTION FOR A GENERAL, PRIMARY OR SPECIAL ELECTION FOR ANY SUCH OFFICE, SEND TO THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS SUCH INFORMATION ABOUT EACH SUCH PETITION OR CERTIFICATE AS THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS SHALL REQUIRE. 3. IF ANY SUCH COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS SHOULD DISQUALIFY ANY SUCH CANDIDATE OR RULE THE PETITION OR CERTIFICATE DESIGNATING OR NOMINATING ANY SUCH CANDIDATE INVALID, IT SHALL FORTHWITH NOTIFY THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS OF SUCH DECISION. 4. IF ANY SUCH COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS SHALL BE NOTIFIED OF A DECI- SION OF A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION DISQUALIFYING ANY SUCH CANDI- DATE OR DECLARING ANY SUCH PETITION INVALID OR REVERSING ANY SUCH DECI- SION BY SUCH BOARD OF ELECTIONS OR ANOTHER COURT, SUCH BOARD OF ELECTIONS SHALL FORTHWITH NOTIFY THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS OF SUCH DECISION. 5. THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS MAY PRESCRIBE FORMS FOR THE NOTICES REQUIRED BY THIS SECTION AND SHALL PRESCRIBE THE MANNER IN WHICH SUCH NOTICES SHALL BE GIVEN. S 13. The state finance law is amended by adding a new section 92-t to read as follows: S 92-T. NEW YORK STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND. 1. THERE IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED IN THE JOINT CUSTODY OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER AND THE COMMISSIONER OF TAXATION AND FINANCE A FUND TO BE KNOWN AS THE NEW YORK STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND. S. 4009 15 2. SUCH FUND SHALL CONSIST OF ALL REVENUES RECEIVED FROM THE NEW YORK STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND CHECK-OFF PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (F) OF SECTION SIX HUNDRED FIFTY-EIGHT OF THE TAX LAW, FROM THE GENERAL FUND, AND FROM ALL OTHER MONEYS CREDITED OR TRANSFERRED THERETO FROM ANY OTHER FUND OR SOURCE PURSUANT TO LAW. 3. MONEYS OF THE FUND, FOLLOWING APPROPRIATION BY THE LEGISLATURE, MAY BE EXPENDED FOR THE PURPOSES OF MAKING PAYMENTS TO CANDIDATES PURSUANT TO TITLE II OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THE ELECTION LAW. MONEYS SHALL BE PAID OUT OF THE FUND ON THE AUDIT AND WARRANT OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER ON VOUCHERS CERTIFIED OR APPROVED BY THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, OR ITS DULY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE, IN THE MANNER PRESCRIBED BY LAW, NOT MORE THAN FOUR WORKING DAYS AFTER SUCH VOUCHER IS RECEIVED BY THE STATE COMPTROLLER. 4. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISION OF LAW TO THE CONTRARY, IF, IN ANY STATE FISCAL YEAR, THE STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND LACKS THE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO PAY ALL CLAIMS VOUCHERED BY ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES AND CERTIFIED OR APPROVED BY THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, ANY SUCH DEFICIENCY SHALL BE PAID, UPON AUDIT AND WARRANT OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER, FROM FUNDS DEPOSITED IN THE GENERAL FUND OF THE STATE NOT MORE THAN FOUR WORKING DAYS AFTER SUCH VOUCHER IS RECEIVED BY THE STATE COMPTROLLER. 5. COMMENCING IN TWO THOUSAND EIGHTEEN, IF THE SURPLUS IN THE FUND ON APRIL FIRST OF THE YEAR AFTER A YEAR IN WHICH A GOVERNOR IS ELECTED EXCEEDS TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE DISBURSEMENTS FROM THE FUND OVER THE PREVIOUS FOUR YEARS, THE EXCESS SHALL REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND OF THE STATE. 6. NO PUBLIC FUNDS SHALL BE PAID TO ANY PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES IN A PRIMARY ELECTION ANY EARLIER THAN THE DAY THAT SUCH CANDIDATE IS CERTI- FIED AS BEING ON THE BALLOT FOR SUCH PRIMARY ELECTION. 7. NO PUBLIC FUNDS SHALL BE PAID TO ANY PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES IN A GENERAL ELECTION ANY EARLIER THAN THE DAY AFTER THE DAY OF THE PRIMARY ELECTION HELD TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES FOR SUCH ELECTION. 8. NO PUBLIC FUNDS SHALL BE PAID TO ANY PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES IN A SPECIAL ELECTION ANY EARLIER THAN THE DAY AFTER THE LAST DAY TO FILE CERTIFICATES OF PARTY NOMINATION FOR SUCH SPECIAL ELECTION. 9. NO PUBLIC FUNDS SHALL BE PAID TO ANY PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE WHO HAS BEEN DISQUALIFIED OR WHOSE DESIGNATING PETITIONS HAVE BEEN DECLARED INVALID BY THE APPROPRIATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS OR A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION UNTIL AND UNLESS SUCH FINDING IS REVERSED BY A HIGHER AUTHORITY. NO PAYMENT FROM THE FUND IN THE POSSESSION OF SUCH A CANDI- DATE OR SUCH CANDIDATE'S PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE ON THE DATE OF SUCH DISQUALIFICATION OR INVALIDATION MAY THEREAFTER BE EXPENDED FOR ANY PURPOSE EXCEPT THE PAYMENT OF LIABILITIES INCURRED BEFORE SUCH DATE. ALL SUCH MONEYS SHALL BE REPAID TO THE FUND. S 14. Section 658 of the tax law is amended by adding a new subsection (f) to read as follows: (F) NEW YORK STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND CHECK-OFF. (1) FOR EACH TAXABLE YEAR BEGINNING ON AND AFTER JANUARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND THIR- TEEN, EVERY INDIVIDUAL WHOSE NEW YORK STATE INCOME TAX LIABILITY FOR THE TAXABLE YEAR FOR WHICH THE RETURN IS FILED IS FIVE DOLLARS OR MORE MAY DESIGNATE ON SUCH RETURN THAT FIVE DOLLARS BE PAID INTO THE NEW YORK STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND ESTABLISHED BY SECTION NINETY-TWO-T OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW. WHERE A HUSBAND AND WIFE FILE A JOINT RETURN AND HAVE A NEW YORK STATE INCOME TAX LIABILITY FOR THE TAXABLE YEAR FOR WHICH THE RETURN IS FILED OF TEN DOLLARS OR MORE, OR FILE SEPARATE RETURNS ON A SINGLE FORM, EACH SUCH TAXPAYER MAY MAKE SEPARATE DESIG- S. 4009 16 NATIONS ON SUCH RETURN OF FIVE DOLLARS TO BE PAID INTO THE NEW YORK STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND. (2) THE COMMISSIONER SHALL TRANSFER TO THE NEW YORK STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND, ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION NINETY-TWO-T OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW, AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO FIVE DOLLARS MULTIPLIED BY THE NUMBER OF DESIGNATIONS. (3) FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SUBSECTION, THE INCOME TAX LIABILITY OF AN INDIVIDUAL FOR ANY TAXABLE YEAR IS THE AMOUNT OF TAX IMPOSED UNDER THIS ARTICLE REDUCED BY THE SUM OF THE CREDITS (AS SHOWN IN HIS OR HER RETURN) ALLOWABLE UNDER THIS ARTICLE. (4) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL INCLUDE A PLACE ON EVERY PERSONAL INCOME TAX RETURN FORM TO BE FILED BY AN INDIVIDUAL FOR A TAX YEAR BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND THIRTEEN, IMMEDIATELY ABOVE THE CERTIFICATION UNDER WHICH THE TAXPAYER IS REQUIRED TO SIGN SUCH FORM, FOR SUCH TAXPAYER TO MAKE THE DESIGNATIONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS SUBSECTION. SUCH RETURN FORM SHALL CONTAIN A CONCISE EXPLANATION OF THE PURPOSE OF SUCH OPTIONAL DESIGNATIONS. S 15. Campaign finance review panel. 1. There is hereby created and established the "campaign finance review panel". The panel shall consist of the commissioner of taxation and finance, the director of the divi- sion of the budget, the state comptroller and the two members of the state board of elections who rotate as chairperson of the board. The commissioner of taxation and finance shall be chairperson. 2. The panel is empowered and it shall be its duty to monitor and review the implementation of the 2012 Campaign Finance Reform Act. The panel shall report to the governor and the legislature on March 31, 2014 and on March 31, 2016 and on March 31 of every other year thereafter. The report shall include: (a) the number of candidates qualifying and opting for public financing, the amounts expended for this purpose in the preceding fiscal year and a projection of the number of candidates likely to qualify and opt for public financing and their expenditures in future elections; (b) an analysis of the effect of the 2012 Campaign Finance Reform Act on political campaigns, including its effect on the sources and amounts of private financing, the level of campaign expendi- tures, voter participation, the number of candidates and the candidate's ability to campaign effectively for public office; (c) a review of the procedures utilized in providing public funds to candidates; and (d) such recommended changes in the 2012 Campaign Finance Reform Act as it deems appropriate. S 16. Subdivision 9 of section 14-100 of the election law is amended by adding a new paragraph 4 to read as follows: (4) THE TERM "CONTRIBUTION" DOES NOT INCLUDE EXPENDITURES BY A BONA FIDE MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION IN SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES BY MEMBERS OF THE ORGANIZATION WHO ARE VOLUNTEERING THEIR TIME ON BEHALF OF A CANDIDATE, NOT TO EXCEED TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS PER MEMBER WHO VOLUN- TEERS, FOR: TRANSPORTATION OF VOLUNTEERS TO AND FROM CAMPAIGN ACTIV- ITIES; COST OF FEEDING VOLUNTEERS WHILE VOLUNTEERING FOR THE CAMPAIGN; AND MATERIALS SUCH AS BADGES AND CLOTHING THAT IDENTIFIES THE NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION AND/OR CANDIDATE. S 17. Paragraphs a and b of subdivision 1 of section 14-114 of the election law, as amended by chapter 659 of the laws of 1994, are amended to read as follows: a. In any election for a public office to be voted on by the voters of the entire state, or for nomination to any such office, no contributor may make a contribution to any candidate or political committee, and no candidate or political committee may accept any contribution from any S. 4009 17 contributor, which is in the aggregate amount greater than: (i) in the case of any nomination to public office, the product of the total number of enrolled voters in the candidate's party in the state, excluding voters in inactive status, multiplied by $.005, but such amount shall be not [less] MORE than [four] TWO thousand dollars [nor more than twelve thousand dollars] as increased or decreased by the cost of living adjustment described in paragraph c of this subdivision, and (ii) in the case of any election to a public office, [twenty-five] TWO thousand dollars as increased or decreased by the cost of living adjustment described in paragraph c of this subdivision; provided however, that the maximum amount which may be so contributed or accepted, in the aggre- gate, from any candidate's child, parent, grandparent, brother and sister, and the spouse of any such persons, shall not exceed in the case of any nomination to public office an amount equivalent to the product of the number of enrolled voters in the candidate's party in the state, excluding voters in inactive status, multiplied by $.025, and in the case of any election for a public office, an amount equivalent to the product of the number of registered voters in the state excluding voters in inactive status, multiplied by $.025. b. In any other election for party position or for election to a public office or for nomination for any such office, no contributor may make a contribution to any candidate or political committee and no candidate or political committee may accept any contribution from any contributor, which is in the aggregate amount greater than: (i) in the case of any election for party position, or for nomination to public office, the product of the total number of enrolled voters in the candi- date's party in the district in which he OR SHE is a candidate, exclud- ing voters in inactive status, multiplied by $.05, and (ii) in the case of any election for a public office, the product of the total number of registered voters in the district, excluding voters in inactive status, multiplied by $.05, however in the case of a nomination within the city of New York for the office of mayor, public advocate or comptroller, such amount shall be not [less] MORE than [four] TWO thousand dollars [nor more than twelve thousand dollars] as increased or decreased by the cost of living adjustment described in paragraph c of this subdivision; in the case of an election within the city of New York for the office of mayor, public advocate or comptroller, [twenty-five] TWO thousand dollars as increased or decreased by the cost of living adjustment described in paragraph c of this subdivision; in the case of a nomi- nation for state senator, [four] TWO thousand dollars as increased or decreased by the cost of living adjustment described in paragraph c of this subdivision; in the case of an election for state senator, [six] TWO thousand [two hundred fifty] dollars as increased or decreased by the cost of living adjustment described in paragraph c of this subdivi- sion; in the case of an election or nomination for a member of the assembly, [twenty-five hundred] TWO THOUSAND dollars as increased or decreased by the cost of living adjustment described in paragraph c of this subdivision; [but in no event shall any such maximum exceed fifty thousand dollars or be less than one thousand dollars;] provided howev- er, that the maximum amount which may be so contributed or accepted, in the aggregate, from any candidate's child, parent, grandparent, brother and sister, and the spouse of any such persons, shall not exceed in the case of any election for party position or nomination for public office an amount equivalent to the number of enrolled voters in the candidate's party in the district in which he OR SHE is a candidate, excluding voters in inactive status, multiplied by $.25 and in the case of any S. 4009 18 election to public office, an amount equivalent to the number of regis- tered voters in the district, excluding voters in inactive status, multiplied by $.25; or twelve hundred fifty dollars, whichever is great- er, or in the case of a nomination or election of a state senator, twen- ty thousand dollars, whichever is greater, or in the case of a nomi- nation or election of a member of the assembly, twelve thousand five hundred dollars, whichever is greater, but in no event shall any such maximum exceed one hundred thousand dollars. S 18. Section 14-130 of the election law, as added by chapter 152 of the laws of 1985, is amended to read as follows: S 14-130. Campaign funds for personal use. 1. Contributions received by a candidate or a political committee may ONLY be expended for [any lawful purpose. Such funds shall not be converted by any person to a personal use which is unrelated to a political campaign or the holding of a public office or party position] BONA FIDE PURPOSES DIRECTLY RELATED TO EITHER: A. PROMOTING THE NOMINATION OR ELECTION OF A CANDIDATE; OR B. PERFORMING THOSE DUTIES OF PUBLIC OFFICE OR PARTY POSITION WHICH ARE NOT PAID FOR OR ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT BY THE STATE OR ANY POLI- TICAL SUBDIVISION OR PRIVATE PARTY. 2. PERMISSIBLE ORDINARY AND NECESSARY EXPENSES RELATING TO THE HOLDING OF PUBLIC OFFICE OR PARTY POSITION SHALL INCLUDE: A. PRODUCTION AND CIRCULATION OF FLYERS OR OTHER WRITTEN MATERIALS RELATED TO DUTIES OF OFFICEHOLDER; THE PLACEMENT OF HOLIDAY GREETINGS AND CONGRATULATORY ADS AND MEMORIAL NOTICES IN LOCAL NEWSPAPERS, MAGA- ZINES, JOURNALS OR OTHER PUBLICATION; B. SPONSORSHIP OR HOSTING OF COMMUNITY MEETINGS; TICKETS OR DONATIONS TO LOCAL CHARITABLE, NON-PROFIT OR POLITICAL EVENTS, ORGANIZATIONS OR ACTIVITIES THAT PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF CONSTITUENTS OR POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS; C. INCIDENTAL EXPENDITURES FOR THE OPERATION OF LEGISLATIVE OFFICES, INCLUDING PURCHASE OF ITEMS SUCH AS MEMORIAL OR GET-WELL GIFTS, FLOWERS OR SIMILAR ITEMS OF NOMINAL VALUE FOR CONSTITUENTS OR OTHERS; D. MEMBERSHIP IN ORGANIZATIONS RELATED TO OFFICIAL DUTIES AND COSTS OF ATTENDING INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS ATTENDED IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH DUTIES; AND E. TRAVEL RELATED TO DUTIES OF OFFICE, PROVIDED THAT THE TRAVEL IS NOT UNDERTAKEN FOR ANY PURPOSE RESULTING IN A PERSONAL OR FINANCIAL BENEFIT TO THE CANDIDATE OR OFFICEHOLDER. IF SUCH EXPENSES INVOLVE BOTH PERSONAL ACTIVITY AND CAMPAIGN OR OFFICIAL ACTIVITIES, THE INCREMENTAL EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PERSONAL ACTIVITIES ARE PERSONAL USES UNLESS THE CAMPAIGN IS REIMBURSED FOR SUCH SUMS FROM OTHER THAN CAMPAIGN FUNDS WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF THE EXPENDITURE. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL PROHIBIT A CANDIDATE FROM PURCHASING OFFICE EQUIPMENT WITH PERSONAL FUNDS AND LEASING OR RENTING SUCH EQUIP- MENT OR PROPERTY TO A COMMITTEE WORKING WITH OR FOR THE CANDIDATE, PROVIDED THE CANDIDATE OR THE CAMPAIGN TREASURER SIGN A WRITTEN LEASE OR RENTAL AGREEMENT AND FILES IT WITH THE APPROPRIATE REQUIRED CAMPAIGN FINANCIAL FILING WHICH SHALL INCLUDE THE LEASE OR RENTAL PRICE WHICH SHALL NOT EXCEED THE FAIR LEASE OR RENTAL VALUE OF THE EQUIPMENT OR IN THE AGGREGATE EXCEED THE COST OF ITS PURCHASE. 3. CAMPAIGN FUNDS SHALL NOT BE CONVERTED TO PERSONAL USE, WHICH SHALL BE DEFINED AS EXPENDITURES THAT: A. ARE FOR THE PERSONAL BENEFIT OF OR TO DEFRAY NORMAL LIVING EXPENSES OF THE CANDIDATE, OFFICEHOLDER, IMMEDIATE FAMILY OR PARTNER OF EITHER OR ANY OTHER PERSON; S. 4009 19 B. ARE USED TO FULFILL ANY COMMITMENT, OBLIGATION, OR EXPENSE THAT WOULD EXIST IRRESPECTIVE OF THE CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN OR DUTIES AS AN OFFICEHOLDER; OR C. ARE PUT TO ANY USE FOR WHICH THE CANDIDATE OR OFFICEHOLDER WOULD BE REQUIRED TO TREAT THE AMOUNT OF THE EXPENDITURE AS GROSS INCOME UNDER SECTION 61 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. 4. EXPENDITURES FOR PERSONAL USE SHALL ALSO INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, EXPENDITURES FOR: A. RESIDENTIAL OR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, SUPPLIES, MAINTENANCE OR OTHER EXPENDITURES, INCLUDING MORTGAGE, RENT, UTILITIES, REPAIRS, OR IMPROVE- MENTS FOR ANY PART OF ANY PERSONAL RESIDENCE OF A CANDIDATE OR OFFICE- HOLDER, HIS OR HER IMMEDIATE FAMILY OR PARTNER; B. RENT OR UTILITY PAYMENTS THAT EXCEED FAIR MARKET VALUE FOR USE OF ANY PART OF ANY NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OWNED BY A CANDIDATE, OR A MEMBER OF A CANDIDATE'S FAMILY OR PARTNER USED FOR CAMPAIGN PURPOSES; C. SALARY AND OTHER FEES FOR BONA FIDE SERVICES TO A CAMPAIGN OR LEGISLATIVE OFFICE THAT EXCEED FAIR AND REASONABLE MARKET VALUE OF SUCH SERVICES; D. INTEREST OR ANY OTHER FINANCE CHARGES FOR MONIES LOANED TO THE CAMPAIGN BY THE CANDIDATE OR THE SPOUSE OR PARTNER OF SUCH CANDIDATE; E. TUITION PAYMENTS; F. DUES, FEES, OR GRATUITIES AT PRIVATE CLUBS, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES OR OTHER NONPOLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS, UNLESS CONNECTED TO A SPECIFIC WIDELY ATTENDED FUNDRAISING EVENT THAT TAKES PLACE ON THE ORGANIZATION'S PREMISES; G. AUTOMOBILE PURCHASES OR LONG TERM LEASES; SHORT TERM CAR RENTALS AND CELLULAR EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES NOT USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR CAMPAIGN PURPOSES OR DUTIES AS AN OFFICEHOLDER; H. ADMISSION TO SPORTING EVENTS, CONCERTS, THEATERS, OR OTHER FORMS OF ENTERTAINMENT, UNLESS PART OF A SPECIFIC CAMPAIGN OR OFFICEHOLDER RELATED ACTIVITY; AND I. PAYMENT OF ANY FINES, FEES, OR PENALTIES ASSESSED PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER. 5. NO CAMPAIGN FUNDS SHALL BE USED TO PAY ATTORNEY'S FEES OR ANY COSTS OF DEFENDING AGAINST ANY CIVIL OR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION OR PROSECUTION FOR ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF STATE OR FEDERAL LAW ALLEGED TO HAVE BEEN COMMITTED WHILE HOLDING PUBLIC OFFICE OR AS A CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE WHERE THE CANDIDATE OR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICIAL, MEMBERS OF THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILIES OR PARTNERS OR THE CAMPAIGN IS THE TARGET OF SUCH INVESTIGATION OR PROSECUTION UNLESS SUCH EXPENDITURE IS USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR COSTS RELATED TO CIVIL OR CRIMINAL ACTIONS FOR ALLEGED VIOLATIONS RELATED TO ACTIVITIES PROMOTING THE NOMINATION OR ELECTION OF A CANDIDATE. S 19. The election law is amended by adding a new section 14-132 to read as follows: S 14-132. DISPOSITION OF CAMPAIGN FUNDS. 1. AN AUTHORIZED CONTINUING CANDIDATE COMMITTEE MUST DISPOSE OF ALL FUNDS AND CLOSE WITHIN TWO YEARS AFTER THE LATER OF (A) THE END OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S MOST RECENT TERM OF OFFICE, OR (B) THE DATE OF THE ELECTION IN WHICH THE INDIVIDUAL LAST WAS A FILED CANDIDATE. 2. ANY CANDIDATE OR POLITICAL COMMITTEE REQUIRED TO DISPOSE OF FUNDS PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL, AT THE OPTION OF THE CANDIDATE, OR THE TREASURER OF A POLITICAL COMMITTEE FORMED SOLELY TO PROMOTE THE PASSAGE OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL, DISPOSE OF SUCH FUNDS BY ANY OF THE FOLLOWING MEANS, OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF: A. RETURNING, PRO RATA, TO EACH CONTRIBUTOR THE FUNDS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN SPENT OR OBLIGATED; S. 4009 20 B. DONATING THE FUNDS TO A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS OF SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVEN- UE CODE; C. DONATING THE FUNDS TO THE STATE UNIVERSITY; D. DONATING THE FUNDS TO THE STATE'S GENERAL FUND; E. TRANSFERRING THE FUNDS TO A POLITICAL PARTY COMMITTEE REGISTERED WITH THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS; OR F. CONTRIBUTING THE FUNDS TO A CANDIDATE OR POLITICAL COMMITTEE SUCH THAT THIS DOES NOT EXCEED THE LIMITS SET FORTH IN SECTION 14-114 OF THIS TITLE. 3. NO CANDIDATE OR POLITICAL COMMITTEE SHALL DISPOSE OF CAMPAIGN FUNDS BY MAKING EXPENDITURES FOR PERSONAL USE AS DEFINED IN SECTION 14-130 OF THIS TITLE. 4. UPON THE DEATH OF A CANDIDATE, FORMER CANDIDATE OR HOLDER OF ELEC- TIVE OFFICE, WHO RECEIVED CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS, ALL CONTRIBUTIONS SHALL BE DISPOSED OF ACCORDING TO THIS SECTION WITHIN TWELVE MONTHS OF THE DEATH OF THE CANDIDATE. S 20. Subdivision 1 of section 14-102 of the election law, as amended by chapter 8 and redesignated by chapter 9 of the laws of 1978, is amended to read as follows: 1. The treasurer of every political committee which, or any officer, member or agent of any such committee who, in connection with any election, receives or expends any money or other valuable thing or incurs any liability to pay money or its equivalent shall file state- ments sworn, or subscribed and bearing a form notice that false state- ments made therein are punishable as a class A misdemeanor pursuant to section 210.45 of the penal law, at the times prescribed by this [arti- cle] TITLE setting forth all the receipts, contributions to and the expenditures by and liabilities of the committee, and of its officers, members and agents in its behalf. Such statements shall include the dollar amount of any receipt, contribution or transfer, or the fair market value of any receipt, contribution or transfer, which is other than of money, the name and address of the transferor, contributor, INTERMEDIARY, or person from whom received, IF THE CONTRIBUTOR IS A LOBBYIST REGISTERED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE ONE-A OF THE LEGISLATIVE LAW and if the transferor, contributor, INTERMEDIARY, or person is a political committee; the name of and the political unit represented by the commit- tee, the date of its receipt, the dollar amount of every expenditure, the name and address of the person to whom it was made or the name of and the political unit represented by the committee to which it was made and the date thereof, and shall state clearly the purpose of such expenditure. AN INTERMEDIARY NEED NOT BE REPORTED FOR A CONTRIBUTION THAT WAS COLLECTED FROM A CONTRIBUTOR IN CONNECTION WITH A PARTY OR OTHER CANDIDATE-RELATED EVENT HELD AT THE RESIDENCE OF THE PERSON DELIV- ERING THE CONTRIBUTION, UNLESS THE EXPENSES OF SUCH EVENT AT SUCH RESI- DENCE FOR SUCH CANDIDATE EXCEED FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS OR THE AGGREGATE CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED FROM THAT CONTRIBUTOR AT SUCH EVENT EXCEED FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS. Any statement reporting a loan shall have attached to it a copy of the evidence of indebtedness. Expenditures in sums under fifty dollars need not be specifically accounted for by separate items in said statements, and receipts and contributions aggregating not more than ninety-nine dollars, from any one contributor need not be specif- ically accounted for by separate items in said statements, provided however, that such expenditures, receipts and contributions shall be subject to the other provisions of section 14-118 of this [article] TITLE. S. 4009 21 S 21. Subdivision 3 of section 3-100 of the election law, as amended by chapter 220 of the laws of 2005, is amended to read as follows: 3. The commissioners of the state board of elections shall have no other public employment. The commissioners shall receive an annual sala- ry of twenty-five thousand dollars, within the amounts made available therefor by appropriation. The board shall, for the purposes of sections seventy-three and seventy-four of the public officers law, be a "state agency", and such commissioners shall be "officers" of the state board of elections for the purposes of such sections. Within the amounts made available by appropriation therefor, the state board of elections shall appoint two co-executive directors, [counsel] AN ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL, A DEPUTY ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL, WHO SHALL BE A MEMBER OF A DIFFERENT MAJOR POLITICAL PARTY THAN THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL, A SPECIAL COUNSEL, A DEPU- TY SPECIAL COUNSEL, WHO SHALL BE A MEMBER OF A DIFFERENT MAJOR POLITICAL PARTY THAN THE SPECIAL COUNSEL, A DIRECTOR OF ELECTION OPERATIONS, A DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ELECTION OPERATIONS, WHO SHALL BE A MEMBER OF A DIFFERENT MAJOR POLITICAL PARTY THAN THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTION OPER- ATIONS, A DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, A DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, WHO SHALL BE A MEMBER OF A DIFFERENT MAJOR POLITICAL PARTY THAN THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INFORMATION and such other staff members as are necessary in the exercise of its functions, and may fix their compensation. [Anytime after the effective date of the chapter of the laws of two thousand five which amended this subdivision, the] THE commissioners or, in the case of a vacancy on the board, the commission- er of each of the major political parties shall appoint one co-executive director. Each co-executive director shall serve a term of four years. THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL AND THE SPECIAL COUNSEL SHALL EACH SERVE A TERM OF FOUR YEARS AND MAY ONLY BE REMOVED FOR CAUSE. ANY TIME AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CHAPTER OF THE LAWS OF TWO THOUSAND THIRTEEN AMENDING THIS SUBDIVISION, THE COMMISSIONERS, OR IN THE CASE OF A VACAN- CY ON THE BOARD, THE COMMISSIONER, OF EACH OF THE SAME MAJOR POLITICAL PARTY AS THE INCUMBENT ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL, DEPUTY ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL, SPECIAL COUNSEL, DEPUTY SPECIAL COUNSEL, DIRECTOR OF ELECTION OPER- ATIONS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ELECTION OPERATIONS, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INFORMATION AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, SHALL APPOINT SUCH COUNSELS, DIRECTORS AND DEPUTIES. Any vacancy in the office of co-executive director, ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL, DEPUTY ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL, SPECIAL COUNSEL, DEPUTY SPECIAL COUNSEL, DIRECTOR OF ELECTION OPER- ATIONS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ELECTION OPERATIONS, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INFORMATION AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, shall be filled by the commissioners or, in the case of a vacancy on the board, the commissioner of the same major political party as the vacating incumbent for the remaining period of the term of such vacating incumbent, FOR THE REMAINING PERIOD OF THE TERM OF SUCH VACATING INCUMBENT. S 22. Subdivision 3, paragraph (c) of subdivision 9-A and subdivision 17 of section 3-102 of the election law, subdivisions 3 and 17 as amended by chapter 9 of the laws of 1978, paragraph (c) of subdivision 9-A as added by chapter 430 of the laws of 1997 and subdivision 17 as renumbered by chapter 23 of the laws of 2005, are amended to read as follows: 3. conduct any investigation necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL, ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION 3-104 OF THIS ARTI- CLE, SHALL CONDUCT ANY INVESTIGATION NECESSARY TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS; S. 4009 22 (c) establish [a] AN EDUCATIONAL AND training program on ALL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the electronic reporting proc- ess and make it EASILY AND READILY available to any such candidate or committee AND NOTIFY ANY SUCH CANDIDATE OR COMMITTEE OF THE AVAILABILITY OF THE MOST RECENT CAMPAIGN FINANCE HANDBOOK; 17. HEAR AND CONSIDER THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL REGARDING THE ENFORCEMENT OF VIOLATIONS OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER; 18. perform such other acts as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. S 23. Section 3-104 of the election law, subdivisions 1, 3, 4 and 5 as redesignated and subdivision 2 as amended by chapter 9 of the laws of 1978, is amended to read as follows: S 3-104. State board of elections AND THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL; enforcement powers. 1. (A) THERE SHALL BE A UNIT KNOWN AS THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS ENFORCEMENT UNIT ESTABLISHED WITH- IN THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS. THE HEAD OF SUCH UNIT SHALL BE THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL. (B) The state board of elections shall have jurisdiction of, and be responsible for, the execution and enforcement of the provisions of [article fourteen of this chapter and other] statutes governing campaigns, elections and related procedures; PROVIDED HOWEVER THAT THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL SHALL HAVE SOLE AUTHORITY WITHIN THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS TO INVESTIGATE ON HIS OR HER OWN INITIATIVE OR UPON COMPLAINT, ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER AND ALL COMPLAINTS ALLEGING ARTICLE FOURTEEN VIOLATIONS SHALL BE FORWARDED TO THE ENFORCEMENT UNIT. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO DIMINISH OR ALTER THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS' JURISDICTION PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER. 2. Whenever [the state board of elections or other] A LOCAL board of elections shall determine, on its own initiative or upon complaint, or otherwise, that there is substantial reason to believe a violation of this chapter or any code or regulation promulgated thereunder has [occurred] BEEN COMMITTED BY A CANDIDATE OR POLITICAL COMMITTEE THAT FILES STATEMENTS OR IS REQUIRED TO DO SO PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER SOLELY WITH SUCH LOCAL BOARD, it shall expeditiously make an investigation which shall also include investigation of reports and statements made or failed to be made by the complainant and any poli- tical committee supporting his candidacy if the complainant is a candi- date or, if the complaint was made by an officer or member of a poli- tical committee, of reports and statements made or failed to be made by such political committee and any candidates supported by it. [The state board of elections, in lieu of making such an investigation, may direct the appropriate board of elections to make an investigation.] The state board of elections may request, and shall receive, the assistance of the state police in any investigation it shall conduct. 3. [If, after an investigation, the state or other board of elections finds reasonable cause to believe that a violation warranting criminal prosecution has taken place, it shall forthwith refer the matter to the district attorney of the appropriate county and shall make available to such district attorney all relevant papers, documents, testimony and findings relevant to its investigation. 4. The state or other board of elections may, where appropriate, commence a judicial proceeding with respect to the filing or failure to file any statement of receipts, expenditures, or contributions, under the provisions of this chapter, and the state board of elections may S. 4009 23 direct the appropriate other board of elections to commence such proceeding. 5.] IF THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL DETERMINES THAT A VIOLATION OF SUBDI- VISION ONE OF SECTION 14-126 OF THIS CHAPTER HAS OCCURRED WHICH COULD WARRANT A CIVIL PENALTY, THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL SHALL, UPON HIS OR HER DISCRETION, SEEK TO RESOLVE THE MATTER EXTRA-JUDICIALLY OR COMMENCE A SPECIAL PROCEEDING IN THE SUPREME COURT PURSUANT TO SECTION 16-114 OF THIS CHAPTER. 4. UPON RECEIPT OF A COMPLAINT AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION OR AN INTER- NAL REFERRAL FROM THE ENFORCEMENT UNIT ALLEGING ANY OTHER VIOLATION OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER, THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL SHALL ANALYZE THE FACTS AND THE LAW RELEVANT TO SUCH COMPLAINT OR REFERRAL TO DETER- MINE IF AN INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN. THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL SHALL, IF NECESSARY, REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM THE COMPLAINANT TO ASSIST SUCH COUNSEL IN MAKING THIS DETERMINATION. SUCH ANALYSIS SHALL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: FIRST, WHETHER THE ALLEGATIONS, IF TRUE, WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER AND, SECOND, WHETHER THE ALLEGATIONS ARE SUPPORTED BY CREDIBLE EVIDENCE. 5. IF THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL DETERMINES THAT THE ALLEGATIONS CONTAINED IN A COMPLAINT, IF TRUE, WOULD NOT CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER OR THAT THE ALLEGATIONS ARE NOT SUPPORTED BY CREDIBLE EVIDENCE, HE OR SHE SHALL: (A) NOTIFY THE DEPUTY ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL OF SUCH DETERMINATION AND (B) PUBLICLY NOTIFY THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS OF SUCH DETERMINATION. IF THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS PUBLICLY DETERMINES, AS PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE, THAT THE ALLE- GATIONS, IF TRUE, WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER AND THAT THE ALLEGATIONS APPEAR TO BE SUPPORTED BY CREDIBLE EVIDENCE, IT SHALL DIRECT THAT THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL CONDUCT AN INVES- TIGATION. LACKING SUCH A DETERMINATION, THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL SHALL ISSUE A LETTER TO THE COMPLAINANT DISMISSING THE COMPLAINT. 6. IF THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL DETERMINES THAT THE ALLEGATIONS, IF TRUE, WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER AND THAT THE ALLEGATIONS APPEAR TO BE SUPPORTED BY CREDIBLE EVIDENCE, HE OR SHE SHALL: (A) NOTIFY THE DEPUTY ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL OF (I) HIS OR HER INTENT TO RESOLVE THE MATTER EXTRA-JUDICIALLY DUE TO THE DE MINIMIS NATURE OF THE VIOLATION; OR (II) HIS OR HER INTENT TO COMMENCE AN INVES- TIGATION, AND (B) PUBLICLY NOTIFY THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS OF SUCH INTENT NO LATER THAN THE BOARD'S NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING. NOTIFICATION SHALL SUMMARIZE THE RELEVANT FACTS AND THE APPLICABLE LAW AND SHALL, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, PROTECT FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE THE IDENTITY OF THE COMPLAINANT AND THE INDIVIDUAL SUBJECT TO THE COMPLAINT. THE DEPUTY ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL SHALL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW THE ENTIRE FILE OF ANY PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED BY THE ENFORCE- MENT COUNSEL A MINIMUM OF TEN DAYS PRIOR TO SAID REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD AND TO SUBMIT A PUBLIC, WRITTEN CONCURRENCE WITH OR DISSENT FROM THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL'S PROPOSAL. 7. IF, UPON CONSIDERING THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL'S NOTICE OF INTENT TO COMMENCE AN INVESTIGATION AND THE DEPUTY ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL'S RECOMMEN- DATION, THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS BELIEVES THAT THE ALLEGATIONS, IF TRUE, WOULD NOT CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAP- TER, OR THE ALLEGATIONS ARE NOT SUPPORTED BY CREDIBLE EVIDENCE OR, THAT ON BALANCE, THE EQUITIES FAVOR A DISMISSAL OF THE COMPLAINT, THE BOARD SHALL PUBLICLY DIRECT THAT AN INVESTIGATION NOT BE UNDERTAKEN NO LATER THAN SIXTY DAYS AFTER THE RECEIPT OF NOTIFICATION FROM THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL OF HIS OR HER INTENT TO COMMENCE AN INVESTIGATION. IN DETERMIN- ING WHETHER THE EQUITIES FAVOR A DISMISSAL OF THE COMPLAINT, THE STATE S. 4009 24 BOARD OF ELECTIONS SHALL CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING FACTORS: (A) WHETHER THE COMPLAINT ALLEGES A DE MINIMIS VIOLATION OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER; (B) WHETHER THE SUBJECT OF THE COMPLAINT HAS MADE A GOOD FAITH EFFORT TO CORRECT THE VIOLATION; AND (C) WHETHER THE SUBJECT OF THE COMPLAINT HAS A HISTORY OF SIMILAR VIOLATIONS. DETERMINATIONS OF THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS TO DISMISS A COMPLAINT AND NOT PROCEED WITH A FORMAL INVESTIGATION SHALL BE VOTED UPON AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION FOUR OF SECTION 3-100 OF THIS TITLE AT AN OPEN MEETING PURSUANT TO ARTICLE SEVEN OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW, AND SHALL BE MADE ON A FAIR AND EQUI- TABLE BASIS AND WITHOUT REGARD TO THE STATUS OF THE SUBJECT OF THE COMPLAINT. 8. ABSENT A TIMELY DETERMINATION BY THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS THAT AN INVESTIGATION SHALL NOT BE UNDERTAKEN, THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL SHALL COMMENCE AN INVESTIGATION ON A TIMELY BASIS. IF THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL DETERMINES THAT ADDITIONAL INVESTIGATIVE POWERS, AS PROVIDED FOR IN SUBDIVISIONS FOUR, FIVE AND SIX OF SECTION 3-102 OF THIS TITLE, ARE NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE COUNSEL'S INVESTIGATION, HE OR SHE SHALL REQUEST SUCH ADDITIONAL POWERS FROM THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS. SUCH POWERS SHALL BE GRANTED BY THE BOARD IN PUBLIC ONLY WHEN THE BOARD FINDS THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION IS WARRANTED AND JUSTIFIED. 9. AT THE CONCLUSION OF ITS INVESTIGATION, THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL SHALL PROVIDE THE DEPUTY ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL AND THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS WITH A WRITTEN RECOMMENDATION AS TO: (A) WHETHER SUBSTANTIAL REASON EXISTS TO BELIEVE A VIOLATION OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER HAS OCCURRED AND, IF SO, THE NATURE OF THE VIOLATION AND ANY APPLICABLE PENALTY, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 14-126 OF THIS CHAPTER, BASED ON THE NATURE OF THE VIOLATION; (B) WHETHER THE MATTER SHOULD BE RESOLVED EXTRA-JUDICIALLY; (C) WHETHER A SPECIAL PROCEEDING SHOULD BE COMMENCED IN THE SUPREME COURT TO RECOVER A CIVIL PENALTY; AND (D) WHETHER A REFERRAL SHOULD BE MADE TO A DISTRICT ATTORNEY PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION ELEVEN OF THIS SECTION BECAUSE REASONABLE CAUSE EXISTS TO BELIEVE A VIOLATION WARRANTING CRIMINAL PROSECUTION HAS TAKEN PLACE. THE DEPUTY ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL SHALL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW THE ENTIRE FILE OF ANY INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED BY THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL A MINIMUM OF TEN DAYS PRIOR TO SAID REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD AND TO SUBMIT A PUBLIC, WRITTEN CONCURRENCE WITH OR DISSENT FROM THE ENFORCE- MENT COUNSEL'S RECOMMENDATION. 10. THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS SHALL ACCEPT, MODIFY OR REJECT THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL'S RECOMMENDATION NO LATER THAN SIXTY DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF SUCH RECOMMENDATION. IN MAKING ITS DETERMINATION, THE BOARD SHALL AGAIN CONSIDER: (A) WHETHER THE COMPLAINT ALLEGES A DE MINIMIS VIOLATION OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER; (B) WHETHER THE SUBJECT OF THE COMPLAINT HAS MADE A GOOD FAITH EFFORT TO CORRECT THE VIOLATION; AND (C) WHETHER THE SUBJECT OF THE COMPLAINT HAS A HISTORY OF SIMILAR VIOLATIONS. ALL SUCH DETERMINATIONS SHALL BE VOTED UPON AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION FOUR OF SECTION 3-100 OF THIS TITLE AT AN OPEN MEETING PURSUANT TO ARTICLE SEVEN OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW, AND SHALL BE MADE ON A FAIR AND EQUITABLE BASIS, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE STATUS OF THE SUBJECT OF THE COMPLAINT. 11. (A) IF THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS DETERMINES, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION TEN OF THIS SECTION, THAT SUBSTANTIAL REASON EXISTS TO BELIEVE THAT A PERSON, ACTING AS OR ON BEHALF OF A CANDIDATE OR POLI- TICAL COMMITTEE UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES EVINCING AN INTENT TO VIOLATE SUCH LAW, HAS UNLAWFULLY ACCEPTED A CONTRIBUTION IN EXCESS OF A CONTRIBUTION LIMITATION ESTABLISHED IN ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER, WHICH COULD WARRANT A CIVIL PENALTY AS PROVIDED FOR IN SUBDIVISION THREE OF SECTION S. 4009 25 14-126 OF THIS CHAPTER, THE BOARD SHALL DIRECT THE COMMENCEMENT OF A SPECIAL PROCEEDING IN THE SUPREME COURT. (B) IF THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS DETERMINES, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDI- VISION TEN OF THIS SECTION THAT REASONABLE CAUSE EXISTS TO BELIEVE A VIOLATION WARRANTING CRIMINAL PROSECUTION HAS TAKEN PLACE, THE BOARD SHALL REFER THE MATTER TO A DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND SHALL MAKE AVAILABLE TO SUCH DISTRICT ATTORNEY ALL PAPERS, DOCUMENTS, TESTIMONY AND FINDINGS RELEVANT TO ITS INVESTIGATION. 12. UPON NOTIFICATION THAT A SPECIAL PROCEEDING HAS BEEN COMMENCED BY A PARTY OTHER THAN THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PURSUANT TO SECTION 16-114 OF THIS CHAPTER, THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS SHALL DIRECT THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL TO INVESTIGATE THE ALLEGED VIOLATIONS UNLESS OTHER- WISE DIRECTED BY THE COURT. 13. THE ENFORCEMENT COUNSEL SHALL PREPARE A REPORT, TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE, SUMMARIZING THE ACTIVITIES OF THE UNIT DURING THE PREVIOUS YEAR. SUCH REPORT SHALL INCLUDE: (A) THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED; (B) THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS THAT WERE FOUND TO NEED INVESTIGATION AND THE NATURE OF EACH COMPLAINT; AND (C) THE NUMBER OF MATTERS THAT HAVE BEEN RESOLVED. THE REPORT SHALL NOT CONTAIN ANY INFORMATION FOR WHICH DISCLOSURE IS NOT PERMITTED. 14. The state board of elections may promulgate rules and regulations consistent with law to effectuate the provisions of this section. S 24. The state of New York shall appropriate during each fiscal year to the New York state board of elections enforcement unit, not less than thirty-five percent of the appropriation available from the general fund for the state board of elections to pay for the expenses of such enforcement unit. The enforcement counsel shall have independent author- ity over said appropriation including the power to hire necessary staff. S 25. Severability. If any clause, sentence, subdivision, paragraph, section or part of title II of article 14 of the election law, as added by section ten of this act be adjudged by any court of competent juris- diction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair or invali- date the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, subdivision, paragraph, section or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered. S 26. This act shall take effect immediately; provided, however, all state candidates and constitutional convention delegates will be eligi- ble to participate in the public financing system beginning with the 2017 election and state legislature candidates will be eligible to participate in the public financing system beginning with the 2019 election.
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