Assembly Actions -
Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE |
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Jan 08, 2020 |
referred to governmental operations |
Apr 09, 2019 |
held for consideration in governmental operations |
Jan 31, 2019 |
referred to governmental operations |
Assembly Bill A3945
2019-2020 Legislative Session
Enacts the public officers accountability act; repealer
download bill text pdfSponsored By
KOLB
Archive: Last Bill Status - In Assembly 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
Jake Ashby
William A. Barclay
Kenneth Blankenbush
Karl Brabenec
Kevin M. Byrne
Clifford Crouch
David DiPietro
Gary Finch
Michael J. Fitzpatrick
Christopher Friend
Andrew R. Garbarino
Joseph Giglio
Andrew Goodell
Stephen Hawley
Mark C. Johns
Kieran Michael Lalor
Peter Lawrence
Nicole Malliotakis
David McDonough
John K. Mikulin
Brian D. Miller
Melissa Miller
Michael Montesano
Angelo J. Morinello
Michael J. Norris
Philip Palmesano
Anthony H. Palumbo
Edward Ra
Andrew Raia
Doug Smith
Dan Stec
Chris Tague
Mary Beth Walsh
John Salka
Robert Smullen
2019-A3945 (ACTIVE) - Details
2019-A3945 (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K ________________________________________________________________________ 3945 2019-2020 Regular Sessions I N A S S E M B L Y January 31, 2019 ___________ Introduced by M. of A. KOLB, ASHBY, BARCLAY, BLANKENBUSH, BRABENEC, BYRNE, CROUCH, DiPIETRO, FINCH, FITZPATRICK, FRIEND, GARBARINO, GIGLIO, GOODELL, HAWLEY, JOHNS, LALOR, LAWRENCE, MALLIOTAKIS, McDO- NOUGH, MIKULIN, B. MILLER, M. L. MILLER, MONTESANO, MORINELLO, NORRIS, PALMESANO, PALUMBO, RA, RAIA, SMITH, STEC, TAGUE, WALSH -- read once and referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations AN ACT to amend the state finance law, in relation to requiring trans- parency, identification and disclosure of certain appropriations and intended recipients (Part A); to establish the commission on official conduct, providing for its powers, duties and functions, and providing for the transfer of the functions, powers and duties of the joint commission on public ethics, the office of the state inspector general and the former temporary state commission of investigation to the commission on official conduct; to amend the civil service law and the legislative law, in relation to the joint commission on public ethics; to amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, in relation to membership on the franchise oversight board; to amend the public authorities law and the executive law, in relation to the state inspector general; to amend the criminal procedure law, the executive law and the public officers law, in relation to the former temporary state commission of investigation; to repeal section 94 of the execu- tive law relating to the joint commission on public ethics; to repeal article 4-A of the executive law and subdivision 68 of section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law relating to the office of the state inspec- tor general; and to repeal chapter 989 of the laws of 1958, relating to creating a temporary state commission of investigation, relating thereto (Part B); to amend the election law, in relation to forfeiture of unspent campaign funds after criminal conviction and resignation of the elected official (Part C); to amend the penal law, in relation to failure to report corruption (Part D); to amend the election law, in relation to limitations on use of campaign contributions and to repeal certain provisions of such law relating thereto (Part E); to amend the election law, in relation to filing late campaign disclosure state- ments (Part F); and to amend the legislative law, in relation to EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD06132-01-9 A. 3945 2 limiting the amount of time a legislator may serve as a legislative leader (Part G) 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 "public officers accountability act". § 2. This act enacts into law major components of legislation provid- ing for member item reform, creating a new Commission on Official Conduct, requiring forfeiture of campaign funds upon felony convictions, creating a new crime for failure to report corruption, limiting use of campaign funds, enhancing penalties for filing late campaign disclosure statements, and limiting terms of leaders and committee chairs. Each component is wholly contained within a Part identified as Parts A through G. The effective date for each particular provision contained within such Part is set forth in the last section of such Part. Any provision in any section contained within a Part, including the effec- tive date of the Part, which makes a reference to a section "of this act", when used in connection with that particular component, shall be deemed to mean and refer to the corresponding section of the Part in which it is found. Section four of this act sets forth the general effective date of this act. PART A Section 1. Subdivisions 4 and 5 of section 24 of the state finance law, as added by chapter 1 of the laws of 2007, are amended to read as follows: 4. Any appropriation SUBMITTED BY THE GOVERNOR OR added to such budget bills, pursuant to section four of article seven of the constitution, shall only contain itemized appropriations which shall not be in the form of lump sum appropriations, and provided further that for all non- federal state operations appropriations, such bill or bills shall only contain itemized appropriations and shall be made, where practicable, by agency, and within each agency by program and within each program at the following level of detail and in the following order: (a) by fund type, which at a minimum shall include general fund, special revenue-other funds, capital projects funds and debt service funds; (b) for personal service appropriations, separate appropriations shall be made for regular personal service, temporary personal service, and holiday and overtime pay; (c) for nonpersonal service appropriations, separate appropriations shall be made for supplies and materials, travel, contractual services, equipment and fringe benefits, as appropriate; AND (D) AT THE REQUEST OR DISCRETION OF THE GOVERNOR OR A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE, SUCH APPROPRIATION SHALL INCLUDE THE NAME OF THE GOVERNOR OR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE. 5. [Any appropriation added pursuant to section four of article seven of the constitution without designating a grantee shall be allocated only pursuant to a plan setting forth an itemized list of grantees with the amount to be received by each, or the methodology for allocating such appropriation. Such plan shall be subject to the approval of the chair of the senate finance committee, the chair of the assembly ways A. 3945 3 and means committee, and the director of the budget, and thereafter shall be included in a concurrent resolution calling for the expenditure of such monies, which resolution must be approved by a majority vote of all members elected to each house upon a roll call vote.] ANY APPROPRI- ATION SUBMITTED BY THE GOVERNOR OR ADDED TO SUCH BUDGET BILLS, PURSUANT TO SECTION FOUR OF ARTICLE SEVEN OF THE CONSTITUTION, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING: (A) THE GOVERNOR OR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE REQUESTING SUCH APPRO- PRIATION SHALL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A SIGNED CONFLICT OF INTEREST FORM AND SUBMIT SUCH FORM TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO ENSURE THAT NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS; THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL DESIGNATE THE FORM AND CONTENT OF THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST FORM. THE GOVERNOR OR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE SHALL DISCLOSE ON THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST FORM ALL POLI- TICAL DONATIONS HE OR SHE IS RECEIVING OR HAS RECEIVED IN THE PAST FROM THE INTENDED RECIPIENT OF THE APPROPRIATION FUNDING. SUCH A CONFLICT OF INTEREST FORM SHALL BE SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR OR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLA- TURE UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY; AND (B) AN APPROPRIATION PROVIDED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE GOVERNOR OR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE SHALL NOT BE PROVIDED IF A CONFLICT OF INTER- EST EXISTS BETWEEN THE GOVERNOR OR A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE DESIGNAT- ING THE APPROPRIATION AND THE POTENTIAL RECIPIENT. THESE APPROPRIATIONS CANNOT FUND ORGANIZATIONS THAT EMPLOY OR OTHERWISE COMPENSATE THE GOVER- NOR OR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE, GOVERNOR'S FAMILY OR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATOR'S FAMILY, ANY PERSON SHARING THE HOME OF THE GOVERNOR OR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE OR THE GOVERNOR'S OR A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLA- TOR'S STAFF FOR SERVICES OR LABOR RENDERED. FURTHERMORE, THE GOVERNOR OR MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE SHALL NOT DESIGNATE APPROPRIATIONS IF THE GOVERNOR OR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE, A MEMBER OF THE GOVERNOR'S OR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATOR'S FAMILY, ANY PERSON SHARING THE HOME OF THE GOVERNOR OR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE OR A MEMBER OF THE GOVERNOR'S OR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATOR'S STAFF IS INVOLVED WITH THE OPERATIONS OF THE ORGANIZATION IN A DECISION-MAKING CAPACITY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WORKING ON AN UNPAID, VOLUNTEER BASIS OR AS A MEMBER OF THE DIRECTING BOARD OF AN ORGANIZATION. § 2. This act shall take effect immediately. PART B Section 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "commission on official conduct act". § 2. Definitions. As used in this act, the following terms shall have the following meanings: (a) "Commission" means the commission on official conduct established by section three of this act. (b) "Executive director" means the executive director of the commis- sion, appointed pursuant to section four of this act. (c) "Covered agency" means all executive branch agencies, departments, divisions, officers, boards and commissions, public authorities (other than multi-state or multi-national authorities) and public benefit corporations, the heads of which are appointed by the governor, and which do not have their own inspector general by statute. (d) Covered individual means all statewide elected officials, members of the legislature and employees of the legislature, and state officers and employees, as defined in sections 73 and 73-a of the public officers law, candidates for statewide elected office and for the senate or assembly, and the political party chairman as that term is defined in A. 3945 4 section 73-a of the public officers law, lobbyists and the clients of lobbyists as such terms are defined in article 1-A of the legislative law, and individuals who have formerly held such positions, were lobby- ists or clients of lobbyists, as such terms are defined in article 1-A of the legislative law, or who have formerly been such candidates. § 3. Commission on official conduct; established. (a) There is hereby established, as an independent state agency, the commission on official conduct. The commission shall consist of five members appointed as follows: (1) one member appointed by the chief judge of the court of appeals, who shall serve as the chair of the commission; (2) one member appointed by the presiding justice of the appellate division in the first department; (3) one member appointed by the presiding justice of the appellate division in the second department; (4) one member appointed by the presiding justice of the appellate division in the third department; and (5) one member appointed by the presiding justice of the appellate division in the fourth department. (b) Each member of the commission shall serve a term of five years commencing on the first of January of the calendar year in which the vacancy in such office occurs; provided, however, that for the members initially appointed as members, the member appointed by the presiding justice in the fourth department shall serve a term of one year, the member appointed by the presiding justice in the second department shall serve a term of two years, the member appointed by the presiding justice in the third department shall serve a term of three years, the member appointed by the presiding justice in the first department shall serve a term of four years and the member appointed by the chief judge of the court of appeals shall serve a term of five years. Any vacancy occurring in the membership of the commission shall be filled within sixty days of its occurrence in the same manner as the member whose vacancy is being filled was appointed. A person appointed to fill a vacancy occurring other than by expiration of a term of office shall be appointed to the unexpired term of the member he or she replaces. (c) Four members of the commission shall constitute a quorum, and the commission shall have power to act by majority vote of the total number of members of the commission without vacancy. (d) The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties pursuant to this act. (e) Members of the commission may be removed by the chief judge of the court of appeals for substantial neglect of duty, gross misconduct in office, inability to discharge the powers and duties of office or violation of the provisions of this act, after written notice and oppor- tunity to be heard by the court of appeals. § 4. Executive director and staff. (a) The commission shall appoint and employ an executive director who shall serve a term of six years. Any vacancy in the office of executive director shall be filled within ten days of its occurrence. A person appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of executive director occurring other than by expiration of a term of office shall be appointed to the unexpired term of the executive director he or she replaces. (b) The executive director shall act in accordance with the policies, rules and regulations of the commission. He or she shall act in the name A. 3945 5 of the commission pursuant to the specific powers delegated by the commission to the office of executive director. (c) The commission shall appoint and employ such other staff and investigators as shall be necessary to carry out its powers and duties pursuant to this act. (d) The executive director, staff members and investigators may be removed by the commission for substantial neglect of duty, gross miscon- duct in office, inability to perform their duties or violation of the provisions of this act, after written notice and opportunity to be heard. § 5. Powers and duties. The commission shall have the power and duty to: (a) fix the compensation of the executive director, staff members and investigators; (b) request and receive, and shall utilize and be provided with such facilities, resources and data of any court, department, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the state or any political subdi- vision thereof, or of any public authority or public benefit corpo- ration, as it may reasonably request to properly carry out its powers and duties pursuant to this act; (c) adopt, amend and rescind rules and regulations to govern the procedures of the commission and to implement the provisions of this act; (d) adopt, amend and rescind rules and regulations to assist appoint- ing authorities in determining which persons hold policy-making posi- tions for the purposes of section 73-a of the public officers law; (e) make available forms for annual statements of financial disclosure required to be filed pursuant to section 73-a of the public officers law; (f) review financial disclosure statements filed pursuant to section 73-a of the public officers law; (g) receive and investigate complaints and referrals alleging violations of section 73, 73-a or 74 of the public officers law, article 1-A of the legislative law, or section 107 of the civil service law; (h) permit any person required to file a financial disclosure state- ment pursuant to section 73-a of the public officers law to delete from the copy thereof made available for public inspection such information as shall be determined by the commission will have no material bearing on the discharge of the reporting person's official duties; (i) grant any person required to file a financial disclosure statement pursuant to section 73-a of the public officers law, an additional peri- od of time within which to file such statement due to justifiable cause or undue hardship; (j) permit any person required to file a financial disclosure state- ment pursuant to section 73-a of the public officers law to delete such information pertaining to such person's spouse or unemancipated children as shall be found by the commission will have no material bearing on the discharge of the reporting person's official duties; (k) advise and assist any state agency in establishing rules and regu- lations relating to possible conflicts between private interests and official duties of present and former state officers and employees; (l) permit any person who has not been determined by his or her appointing authority to hold a policy-making position, but who is other- wise required to file a financial disclosure statement, to be granted an exemption from such filing requirement. The commission may grant such an exemption where the public interest does not require disclosure and the A. 3945 6 applicant's duties do not involve negotiation, authorization or approval of: (1) contracts, leases, franchises, revocable consents, concessions, variances, special permits or licenses as defined in section 73 of the public officers law, (2) the purchase, sale, rental or lease of real property, goods or services, or a contract therefor, (3) the obtaining of grants of money or loans, or (4) the adoption or repeal of any rule or regulation having the force and effect of law; (m) determine questions common to a class or defined category of persons or items of information required to be disclosed, where determi- nation of the question will prevent undue repetition of requests for exemption or deletion, or prevent undue complication in complying with the provisions of this act; (n) upon written request from a person subject to the requirements of section 73, 73-a or 74 of the public officers law, render an advisory opinion on the requirements of such provisions; (o) promulgate rules concerning restrictions on outside activities and limitations or the receipt of gifts and honoraria; (p) conduct training programs, in cooperation with the governor's office of employee relations, to provide instruction to persons subject to its jurisdiction; (q) administer and enforce all provisions of this act; (r) conduct any investigation necessary to carry out the provisions of this act; (s) receive and investigate complaints from any source, or upon its own initiative, concerning allegations of corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest or abuse in any covered agency or by any covered individual; (t) inform the heads of covered agencies of such allegations and the progress of investigations related thereto, unless special circumstances require confidentiality; (u) determine with respect to such allegations whether disciplinary action, civil or criminal prosecution, or further investigation by an appropriate federal, state or local agency is warranted, and to assist in such investigations; (v) prepare and release to the public written reports of such investi- gations, as appropriate and to the extent permitted by law, subject to redaction to protect the confidentiality of witnesses. The release of all or portions of such reports may be deferred to protect the confiden- tiality of ongoing investigations; (w) review and examine periodically the policies and procedures of covered agencies with regard to the prevention and detection of corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest or abuse; (x) recommend remedial acts to prevent or eliminate corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest or abuse in covered agencies; (y) establish programs for training state officers and employees regarding the prevention and elimination of corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest or abuse in covered agencies; (z) subpoena and enforce the attendance of witnesses; (aa) administer oaths or affirmations and examine witnesses under oath; (bb) require the production of any books and papers deemed relevant or material to any investigation, examination or review; A. 3945 7 (cc) examine and copy or remove documents or records of any kind prepared, maintained or held by any covered agency or covered individ- ual; (dd) require any officer or employee in a covered agency or any covered individual to answer questions concerning any matter related to the performance of his or her official duties. No statement or other evidence derived therefrom may be used against such officer or employee in any subsequent criminal prosecution other than for perjury or contempt arising from such testimony. The refusal of any officer or employee to answer questions shall be cause for removal from office or employment, or other appropriate penalty; (ee) monitor the implementation by covered agencies of any recommenda- tions made by the commission; (ff) perform any other functions that are necessary or appropriate to fulfill the provisions of this act; (gg) conduct investigations in connection with: (1) the faithful execution and enforcement of the laws of the state, with particular reference but not limited to organized crime and racke- teering, (2) the conduct of public officers and public employees, and of offi- cers and employees of public benefit corporations and public authori- ties, and (3) any matter concerning the public peace, public safety and public justice; (hh) at the direction of the governor, conduct investigations and otherwise assist the governor in connection with: (1) the removal of public officers by the governor, (2) the making of recommendations by the governor to any other person or body, with respect to the removal of public officers, and (3) the making of recommendations by the governor to the legislature with respect to changes in or additions to existing provisions of law required for the more effective enforcement of the law; (ii) at the direction or request of the governor or the head of any department, board, bureau, commission or other agency of the state, investigate the management or affairs of any such department, board, bureau, commission or other agency; (jj) upon the request of district attorneys and other law enforcement officers, cooperate with, advise and assist them in the performance of their official powers and duties; (kk) cooperate with departments and officers of the United States government in the investigation of violations of the federal laws within this state; (ll) examine into matters relating to law enforcement extending across the boundaries of the state into other states, and may consult and exchange information with officers and agencies of other states with respect to law enforcement problems of mutual concern to this and other states; (mm) whenever it shall appear to the commission that there is cause for the prosecution of a crime or for the removal of a public officer for misconduct, refer the evidence of such crime or misconduct to the officials authorized to conduct the prosecution or to remove the public officer; (nn) keep the public informed as to the operations of organized crime and problems of law enforcement in the state; and (oo) exercise any and all powers of the former commission on public integrity and the former office of the state inspector general as they A. 3945 8 existed immediately prior to the effective date of this act, and exer- cise any and all powers of the former temporary state commission of investigation as they existed on March 30, 2011. § 6. Financial disclosure. (a) The commission shall inspect all finan- cial disclosure statements filed with the commission to ascertain wheth- er any person subject to the reporting requirements of section 73-a of the public officers law has failed to file such a statement, has filed a deficient statement or has filed a statement which reveals a possible violation of section 73, 73-a or 74 of the public officers law. (b) If a person required to file a financial disclosure statement with the commission has failed to file a disclosure statement or has filed a deficient statement, the commission shall notify the reporting person in writing, state the failure to file or detail the deficiency, provide the person with a fifteen day period to cure the deficiency, and advise the person of the penalties for failure to comply with the reporting requirements. Such notice shall be confidential. If the person fails to make such filing or fails to cure the deficiency within the specified time period, the commission shall send a notice of delinquency: (1) to the reporting person; (2) in the case of a statewide elected official, to the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assem- bly; and (3) in the case of a state officer or employee, to the appoint- ing authority for such person. Such notice of delinquency may be sent at any time during the reporting person's service as a statewide elected official, state officer or employee, political party chair or while a candidate for statewide office, or within one year after termination of such service or candidacy. The jurisdiction of the commission, when acting pursuant to subdivision (d) of this section with respect to financial disclosure, shall continue notwithstanding that the reporting person separates from state service, or ceases to hold office as a statewide elected official or political party chair, or ceases to be a candidate, provided the commission notifies such person of the alleged failure to file or deficient filing pursuant to this subdivision. (c)(1) If the commission receives a sworn complaint alleging a violation of section 73, 73-a or 74 of the public officers law, section 107 of the civil service law or article 1-A of the legislative law by a person or entity subject to the jurisdiction of the commission, or if a reporting individual has filed a statement which reveals a possible violation of these provisions, or if the commission determines on its own initiative to investigate a possible violation, the commission shall notify the individual in writing, describe the possible or alleged violation of such laws and provide the person with a fifteen day period in which to submit a written response setting forth information relating to the activities cited as a possible or alleged violation of law. If the commission thereafter makes a determination that further inquiry is justified, it shall give the individual an opportunity to be heard. The commission shall also inform the individual of its rules regarding the conduct of adjudicatory proceedings and appeals and the due process procedural mechanisms available to such individual. If the commission determines at any stage of the proceeding that there is no violation or that any potential conflict of interest violation has been rectified, it shall so advise the individual and the complainant, if any. All of the foregoing proceedings shall be confidential. (2) If the commission determines that there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation has occurred, it shall send a notice of reason- able cause: (i) to the reporting person; (ii) to the complainant if any; (iii) in the case of a statewide elected official, to the temporary A. 3945 9 president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly; and (iv) in the case of a state officer or employee, to the appointing authority for such person. (3) The jurisdiction of the commission when acting pursuant to this act shall continue notwithstanding that a statewide elected official or a state officer or employee separates from state service, or a political party chair ceases to hold such office, or a candidate ceases to be a candidate, or a lobbyist or client of a lobbyist ceases to act as such, provided that the commission notifies such individual or entity of the alleged violation of law pursuant to paragraph one of this subdivision within one year from his or her separation from state service or his or her termination of party service or candidacy, or from his, her or its last report filed pursuant to article 1-A of the legislative law. Noth- ing in this section shall serve to limit the jurisdiction of the commis- sion in enforcement of subdivision 8 of section 73 of the public offi- cers law. (d) An individual subject to the jurisdiction of the commission who knowingly and intentionally violates the provisions of subdivisions 2 through 5, 7, 8, 12 or 14 through 17 of section 73 of the public offi- cers law, section 107 of the civil service law, or a reporting individ- ual who knowingly and wilfully fails to file an annual statement of financial disclosure or who knowingly and wilfully with intent to deceive makes a false statement or fraudulent omission or gives informa- tion which such individual knows to be false on such statement of finan- cial disclosure filed pursuant to section 73-a of the public officers law shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $40,000 and the value of any gift, compensation or benefit received as a result of such violation. An individual who knowingly and intentionally violates the provisions of paragraphs b, c, d or i of subdivision 3 of section 74 of the public officers law shall be subject to a civil penal- ty in an amount not to exceed $10,000 and the value of any gift, compen- sation or benefit received as a result of such violation. An individual who knowingly and intentionally violates the provisions of paragraphs a, e or g of subdivision 3 of section 74 of the public officers law shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed the value of any gift, compensation or benefit received as a result of such violation. An individual subject to the jurisdiction of the commission who knowingly and wilfully violates article 1-A of the legislative law shall be subject to civil penalty as provided for in that article. Assessment of a civil penalty pursuant to this section shall be made by the commission with respect to persons subject to its jurisdiction. In assessing the amount of the civil penalties to be imposed, the commis- sion shall consider the seriousness of the violation, the amount of gain to the individual and whether the individual previously had any civil or criminal penalties imposed pursuant to this section, and any other factors the commission deems appropriate. For a violation of this subdi- vision, other than for conduct which constitutes a violation of section 107 of the civil service law, subdivisions 12 or 14 through 17 of section 73 or section 74 of the public officers law or article 1-A of the legislative law, the commission may, in lieu of a civil penalty, refer a violation to the appropriate prosecutor and upon such conviction, such violation shall be punishable as a class A misdemeanor. A civil penalty for false filing may not be imposed pursuant to this section in the event a category of "value" or "amount" reported pursuant to this section is incorrect unless such reported information is falsely understated. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, A. 3945 10 no other penalty, civil or criminal may be imposed for a failure to file, or for a false filing, of such statement, or a violation of section 73 of the public officers law, except that the appointing authority may impose disciplinary action as otherwise provided by law. The commission may refer violations of this section to the appointing authority for disciplinary action as otherwise provided by law. The commission shall be deemed to be an agency within the meaning of article 3 of the state administrative procedure act and shall adopt rules governing the conduct of adjudicatory proceedings and appeals taken pursuant to a proceeding commenced under article 78 of the civil prac- tice law and rules relating to the assessment of the civil penalties authorized by this subdivision and commission denials of requests for certain deletions or exemptions to be made from a financial disclosure statement as authorized by this act. Such rules, which shall not be subject to the approval requirements of the state administrative proce- dure act, shall provide for due process procedural mechanisms substan- tially similar to those set forth in article 3 of the state administra- tive procedure act but such mechanisms need not be identical in terms or scope. Assessment of a civil penalty or commission denial of such a request shall be final unless modified, suspended or vacated within thirty days of imposition, with respect to the assessment of such penal- ty, or unless such denial of request is reversed within such time peri- od, and upon becoming final shall be subject to review at the instance of the affected reporting individuals in a proceeding commenced against the commission, pursuant to article 78 of the civil practice law and rules. (e) If the commission has a reasonable basis to believe that any person subject to the jurisdiction of the legislative ethics commission may have violated any provisions of section 73 or 74 of the public offi- cers law, it may refer such violation to the legislative ethics commis- sion. The referral by the commission to the legislative ethics commis- sion shall include any information relating thereto coming into the custody or under the control of the commission at any time prior or subsequent to the time of the referral. (f) A copy of any notice of delinquency or notice of reasonable cause sent pursuant to subdivisions (b) and (c) of this section shall be included in the reporting person's file and be available for public inspection and copying. § 7. Website. Within one hundred twenty days of the effective date of this section, the commission shall create and thereafter maintain a publicly accessible website which shall set forth the procedure for filing a complaint with the commission, and which shall contain the documents identified in section eight of this act, other than financial disclosure statements, and any other records or information which the commission determines to be appropriate. § 8. Public access to records. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of article 6 of the public officers law, the only records of the commission which shall be available for public inspection and copying are: (1) the information set forth in an annual statement of financial disclosure filed pursuant to section 73-a of the public officers law except the categories of value or amount, which shall remain confiden- tial, and any other item of information deleted pursuant to this act; (2) notices of delinquency sent under subdivision (b) of section six of this act; (3) notices of reasonable cause sent under paragraph two of subdivi- sion (c) of section six of this act; A. 3945 11 (4) notices of civil assessments imposed under this act which shall include a description of the nature of the alleged wrongdoing, the procedural history of the complaint, the findings and determinations made by the commission, and any sanction imposed; (5) the terms of any settlement or compromise of a complaint or refer- ral which includes a fine, penalty or other remedy; and (6) those required to be held or maintained publicly available pursu- ant to article 1-A of the legislative law. (b) Pending any application for deletion or exemption to the commis- sion, all information which is the subject or a part of the application shall remain confidential. Upon an adverse determination by the commis- sion, the reporting individual may request, and upon such request the commission shall provide, that any information which is the subject or part of the application remain confidential for a period of thirty days following notice of such determination. In the event that the reporting individual resigns his or her office and holds no other office subject to the jurisdiction of the commission, the information shall not be made public and shall be expunged in its entirety. § 9. Responsibilities of covered agencies, covered individuals, state officers and employees. (a) Every state officer or employee in a covered agency and every covered individual shall report promptly to the commission any information concerning corruption, fraud, criminal activ- ity, conflicts of interest or abuse by another state officer or employee relating to his or her office or employment, or by a person having busi- ness dealings with a covered agency relating to those dealings. The knowing failure of any officer or employee to so report shall be cause for removal from office or employment or other appropriate penalty. Any officer or employee who acts pursuant to this subdivision by reporting to the commission improper governmental action as defined in section 75-b of the civil service law shall not be subject to dismissal, disci- pline or other adverse personnel action. (b) The head of any covered agency shall advise the governor within ninety days of the issuance of a report by the commission as to the remedial action that the agency has taken in response to any recommenda- tion for such action contained in such report. § 10. Confidentiality. Any person conducting or participating in any examination or investigation who shall disclose to any person other than the commission or an officer having the power to appoint one or more of the commissioners the name of any witness examined, or any information obtained or given upon such examination or investigation, except as directed by the commission, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. § 11. Evidence to be impounded. Upon the application of the commis- sion, the executive director or a duly authorized member of its staff, the supreme court or a justice thereof may impound any exhibit marked in evidence in any public or private hearing held in connection with an investigation conducted by the commission, and may order such exhibit to be retained by, or delivered to and placed in the custody of, the commission. When so impounded such exhibit shall not be taken from the custody of the commission, except upon further order of the court or a justice thereof made upon five days' notice to the commission or upon its application or with its consent. § 12. Immunity from prosecution. In any investigation or hearing conducted by the commission pursuant to this act, relating to any crime or offense with respect to which, by express provision of statute, a competent authority is authorized to confer immunity; the commission may confer immunity in accordance with the provisions of section 50.20 of A. 3945 12 the criminal procedure law, but only after affording the attorney gener- al and the appropriate district attorney the opportunity to be heard in respect to any objections which they may have to the granting of such immunity. § 13. Transfer of functions, powers and duties. All functions, powers, duties and obligations of the former joint commission on public ethics and the former office of the state inspector general are hereby trans- ferred to the commission. § 14. Transfer of employees. (a) Upon transfer of the functions of the former joint commission on public ethics and the former office of the state inspector general to the commission, provisions shall be made for the transfer to the commission of those employees of such former agen- cies who were engaged in carrying out the functions transferred by this act in accordance with section 70 of the civil service law or, where not subject to the civil service law, the provisions of such section 70 shall be deemed applicable, except where the context clearly requires otherwise. Any such employee who, at the time of such transfer, has a temporary or provisional appointment shall be transferred subject to the same right of removal, examination or termination as though such trans- fer had not been made except to the extent such rights are modified by a collective bargaining agreement. Employees holding permanent appoint- ments in competitive class positions who are not transferred pursuant to this section shall have their names entered upon an appropriate preferred list for reinstatement pursuant to the civil service law. (b) A transferred employee shall remain in the same collective bargaining unit as was the case prior to his or her transfer; successor employees to the positions held by such transferred employees shall, consistent with the provisions of article 14 of the civil service law, be included in the same unit as their predecessors. Employees other than management or confidential persons (as defined in article 14 of the civil service law), serving positions in newly created titles shall be assigned to the appropriate bargaining unit. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to affect: (1) the rights of employees pursuant to a collective bargaining agree- ment; (2) the representational relationships among employee organizations or the bargaining relationships between the state and an employee organiza- tion; or (3) existing law with respect to an application to the public employ- ment relations board, provided, however, that the merger of such negoti- ating units of employees shall be effected only with the consent of the recognized and certified representative of such units and of the depart- ment of law. § 15. Transfer of records. All books, papers and property of the former joint commission on public ethics and the former office of the state inspector general are to be delivered to the commission at such place and time, and in such manner as the commission shall require. § 16. Continuity of authority. For the purpose of succession to all functions, powers, duties and obligations of the former joint commission on public ethics and the former office of the state inspector general transferred to and assumed by the commission, such commission shall continue the operation thereof as if performed by such former agencies. § 17. Completion of unfinished business. Any business or other matter undertaken or commenced by the former joint commission on public ethics and the former office of the state inspector general pertaining to or connected with the functions, powers, duties and obligations transferred A. 3945 13 and assigned to the commission and pending on the effective date of this section shall be conducted and completed by the commission in the same manner and under the same terms and conditions and with the same effect as if conducted and completed by such former agencies. § 18. Continuation of rules and regulations. All rules, regulations, acts, orders, determinations and decisions of the former joint commis- sion on public ethics and the former office of the state inspector general in force at the time of such transfer and assumption, shall continue in force and effect as rules, regulations, acts, orders, deter- minations and decisions of the commission until duly modified or abro- gated. § 19. Terms occurring in laws, contracts and other documents. Whenever the former joint commission on public ethics or the former office of the state inspector general is referred to or designated in any law, contract or document pertaining to the functions, powers, obligations and duties transferred and assigned pursuant to this act, such reference or designation shall be deemed to refer to the commission. § 20. Existing rights and remedies preserved. No existing right or remedy of any character shall be lost, impaired or affected by reason of any transfer or assignment pursuant to this act. § 21. Pending actions or proceedings. No action or proceeding pending upon the effective date of this section relating to the functions, powers and duties of the former joint commission on public ethics and the former office of the state inspector general transferred to the commission, brought by or against any such former agency, shall be affected by any provision of this act, but the same may be prosecuted or defended in the name of the commission. In all such actions and proceedings, the commission, upon application to the court, shall be substituted as a party. § 22. Transfer of appropriations heretofore made. Subject to the approval of the director of the division of the budget, all appropri- ations and reappropriations heretofore made to the former joint commis- sion on public ethics and the former office of the state inspector general for the purposes and functions transferred pursuant to this act to the commission, to the extent of remaining unexpended or unencumbered balance thereof, whether allocated or unallocated, and whether obligated or unobligated, are hereby transferred to and made available for use and expenditure by the commission for the same purposes for which originally appropriated or reappropriated and shall be payable on vouchers certi- fied or approved by the executive director on audit and warrant of the comptroller. Payments for liabilities for expenses of personal services, maintenance and operation heretofore incurred by and for liabilities incurred and to be incurred in completing the affairs of the former joint commission on public ethics and the former office of the state inspector general with respect to the powers, duties and functions transferred in this act, shall also be made on vouchers or certificates approved by the executive director on audit and warrant of the comp- troller. § 23. Transfer of assets and liabilities. All assets and liabilities of the former joint commission on public ethics and the former office of the state inspector general are hereby transferred to and assumed by the commission. § 24. Actions of the commission. The commission is hereby directed to immediately take any and all actions necessary to enable it to assume all powers, duties and functions of the former joint commission on public ethics, the former office of the state inspector general and the A. 3945 14 former temporary state commission of investigation within ninety days of the effective date of this act. § 25. Subdivision 5 of section 107 of the civil service law, as amended by chapter 14 of the laws of 2007, is amended to read as follows: 5. Violation of this section. Complaints alleging a violation of this section by a statewide elected official or a state officer or employee, as defined in section seventy-three of the public officers law, may be directed to the commission on [public integrity] OFFICIAL CONDUCT. § 26. Section 94 of the executive law is REPEALED. § 27. Subdivision (f) of section 1-c of the legislative law, as amended by chapter 14 of the laws of 2007, is amended to read as follows: (f) The term "commission" shall mean the commission on [public integ- rity created by section ninety-four of the executive law] OFFICIAL CONDUCT. § 28. Subdivision 3 of section 212 of the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, as amended by chapter 18 of the laws of 2008, is amended to read as follows: 3. Such members, except as otherwise provided by law, may engage in private or public employment, or in a profession or business. The board, its members, officers and employees shall be subject to the provisions of sections seventy-three and seventy-four of the public officers law. No former trustee or officer of a non-profit racing association known as The New York Racing Association, Inc. or its predecessor, no current director or officer of a franchised corporation or any individual regis- tered with the [New York] commission on [public integrity] OFFICIAL CONDUCT shall be appointed as members to the board nor shall any member of the board have any direct or indirect interest in any racehorse, thoroughbred racing or pari-mutuel wagering business, video lottery terminal facility or any development at any racing facility. § 29. Article 4-A of the executive law is REPEALED. § 30. Subdivision 3 of section 63 of the executive law, as amended by chapter 155 of the laws of 2012, is amended to read as follows: 3. Upon request of the governor, comptroller, secretary of state, commissioner of transportation, superintendent of financial services, commissioner of taxation and finance, commissioner of motor vehicles, or the [state inspector general] COMMISSION ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT, or the head of any other department, authority, division or agency of the state, investigate the alleged commission of any indictable offense or offenses in violation of the law which the officer making the request is especially required to execute or in relation to any matters connected with such department, and to prosecute the person or persons believed to have committed the same and any crime or offense arising out of such investigation or prosecution or both, including but not limited to appearing before and presenting all such matters to a grand jury. § 31. Section 2350-dd of the public authorities law, as added by chap- ter 762 of the laws of 2005, is amended to read as follows: § 2350-dd. Jurisdiction of [state inspector general] COMMISSION ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT. The agency is subject to the jurisdiction of the [office of the state inspector general] COMMISSION ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT. § 32. Subdivision 3 of section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law, as added by chapter 843 of the laws of 1980, is amended to read as follows: 3. [Investigators] THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND INVESTIGATORS of the [office of the state] commission [of investigation] ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT. A. 3945 15 § 33. Subdivision 68 of section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law, as added by chapter 168 of the laws of 2000, is REPEALED. § 34. Subdivision 3 of section 70-a of the executive law, as added by chapter 1003 of the laws of 1970, is amended to read as follows: 3. The deputy attorney general in charge of the organized crime task force may request and shall receive from the division of state police, the state department of taxation and finance, the state department of labor, the [temporary state] commission [of investigation] ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT, and from every department, division, board, bureau, commission or other agency of the state, or of any political subdivision thereof, cooperation and assistance in the performance of his duties. Such deputy attorney general may provide technical and other assistance to any district attorney or other local law enforcement official requesting such assistance in the investigation or prosecution of organized crime cases. § 35. Subdivision 9 of section 835 of the executive law, as separately amended by chapters 14 and 155 of the laws of 2012, is amended to read as follows: 9. "Qualified agencies" means courts in the unified court system, the administrative board of the judicial conference, probation departments, sheriffs' offices, district attorneys' offices, the state department of corrections and community supervision, the department of correction of any municipality, the financial frauds and consumer protection unit of the state department of financial services, the office of professional medical conduct of the state department of health for the purposes of section two hundred thirty of the public health law, the child protec- tive services unit of a local social services district when conducting an investigation pursuant to subdivision six of section four hundred twenty-four of the social services law, the office of Medicaid inspector general, the [temporary state] commission [of investigation] ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT, police forces and departments having responsibility for enforcement of the general criminal laws of the state, the Onondaga County Center for Forensic Sciences Laboratory when acting within the scope of its law enforcement duties and the division of forensic services of the Nassau county medical examiner's office when acting within the scope of its law enforcement duties. § 36. Subdivision 8 of section 92 of the public officers law, as amended by section 135 of subpart B of part C of chapter 62 of the laws of 2011, is amended to read as follows: (8) Public safety agency record. The term "public safety agency record" means a record of the state commission of correction, the [temporary state] commission [of investigation] ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT, the department of corrections and community supervision, the office of chil- dren and family services, the office of victim services, the office of probation and correctional alternatives or the division of state police or of any agency or component thereof whose primary function is the enforcement of civil or criminal statutes if such record pertains to investigation, law enforcement, confinement of persons in correctional facilities or supervision of persons pursuant to criminal conviction or court order, and any records maintained by the division of criminal justice services pursuant to sections eight hundred thirty-seven, eight hundred thirty-seven-a, eight hundred thirty-seven-b, eight hundred thirty-seven-c, eight hundred thirty-eight, eight hundred thirty-nine, and eight hundred forty-five of the executive law and by the department of state pursuant to section ninety-nine of the executive law. A. 3945 16 § 37. Chapter 989 of the laws of 1958, creating a temporary state commission of investigation, is REPEALED. § 38. Paragraph (b) of subdivision 9 of section 80 of the legislative law, as added by section 9 of part A of chapter 399 of the laws of 2011, is amended to read as follows: (b) Not later than forty-five calendar days after receipt from the [joint] commission on [public ethics] OFFICIAL CONDUCT of a written substantial basis investigation report and any supporting documentation or other materials regarding a matter before the commission [pursuant to subdivision fourteen-a of section ninety-four of the executive law], unless requested by a law enforcement agency to suspend the commission's action because of an ongoing criminal investigation, the legislative ethics commission shall make public such report in its entirety; provided, however, that the commission may withhold such information for not more than one additional period of the same duration or refer the matter back to the [joint] commission on [public ethics] OFFICIAL CONDUCT once for additional investigation, in which case the legislative ethics commission shall, upon the termination of such additional period or upon receipt of a new report by the [joint] commission on [public ethics] OFFICIAL CONDUCT after such additional investigation, make public the written report and publish it on the commission's website. If the legislative ethics commission fails to make public the written report received from the [joint] commission in accordance with this paragraph, the [joint] commission shall release such report publicly promptly and in any event no later than ten days after the legislative ethics commission is required to release such report. The legislative ethics commission shall not refer the matter back to the [joint] commis- sion on [public ethics] OFFICIAL CONDUCT for additional investigation more than once. If the commission refers the matter back to the [joint] commission for additional fact-finding, the [joint] commission's original report shall remain confidential. § 39. Subparagraph 1 of paragraph a of subdivision 12 of section 80 of the legislative law, as amended by section 9 of part A of chapter 399 of the laws of 2011, is amended to read as follows: (1) the terms of any settlement or compromise of a complaint or refer- ral or report which includes a fine, penalty or other remedy reached after the commission has received a report from the [joint] commission on [public ethics pursuant to subdivision fourteen-a of section ninety- four of the executive law] OFFICIAL CONDUCT; § 40. Subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (c) and paragraph (d-1) of subdivision 1 of section 73-a of the public officers law, subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (c) as amended and paragraph (d-1) as added by section 5 of part A of chapter 399 of the laws of 2011, are amended to read as follows: (ii) officers and employees of statewide elected officials, officers and employees of state departments, boards, bureaus, divisions, commis- sions, councils or other state agencies, who receive annual compensation in excess of the filing rate established by paragraph (l) of this subdi- vision or who hold policy-making positions, as annually determined by the appointing authority and set forth in a written instrument which shall be filed with the [joint] commission on [public ethics established by section ninety-four of the executive law] OFFICIAL CONDUCT during the month of February, provided, however, that the appointing authority shall amend such written instrument after such date within thirty days after the undertaking of policy-making responsibilities by a new employ- A. 3945 17 ee or any other employee whose name did not appear on the most recent written instrument; and (iii) members or directors of public authorities, other than multi- state authorities, public benefit corporations and commissions at least one of whose members is appointed by the governor, and employees of such authorities, corporations and commissions who receive annual compen- sation in excess of the filing rate established by paragraph (l) of this subdivision or who hold policy-making positions, as determined annually by the appointing authority and set forth in a written instrument which shall be filed with the [joint] commission on [public ethics established by section ninety-four of the executive law] OFFICIAL CONDUCT during the month of February, provided, however, that the appointing authority shall amend such written instrument after such date within thirty days after the undertaking of policy-making responsibilities by a new employ- ee or any other employee whose name did not appear on the most recent written instrument. (d-1) A financial disclosure statement required pursuant to section seventy-three of this article and this section shall be deemed "filed" with the [joint] commission on [public ethics] OFFICIAL CONDUCT upon its filing, in accordance with this section, with the legislative ethics commission for all purposes including, but not limited to, [subdivision fourteen of section ninety-four of the executive law,] subdivision nine of section eighty of the legislative law and subdivision four of this section. § 41. Subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (a) and paragraph (c) of subdivi- sion 2 of section 73-a of the public officers law, as amended by section 5 of part A of chapter 399 of the laws of 2011, are amended to read as follows: (ii) a person who is required to file an annual financial disclosure statement with the [joint] commission on [public ethics] OFFICIAL CONDUCT, and who is granted an additional period of time within which to file such statement due to justifiable cause or undue hardship[, in accordance with required rules and regulations on the subject adopted pursuant to paragraph c of subdivision nine of section ninety-four of the executive law] shall file such statement within the additional peri- od of time granted; and the legislative ethics commission shall notify the [joint] commission on [public ethics] OFFICIAL CONDUCT of any exten- sion granted pursuant to this paragraph; (c) If the reporting individual is a senator or member of assembly, candidate for the senate or member of assembly or a legislative employ- ee, such statement shall be filed with both the legislative ethics commission established by section eighty of the legislative law and the [joint] commission on [public ethics] OFFICIAL CONDUCT in accordance with paragraph (d-1) of subdivision one of this section. If the report- ing individual is a statewide elected official, candidate for statewide elected office, a state officer or employee or a political party chair- man, such statement shall be filed with the [joint] commission on [public ethics established by section ninety-four of the executive law] OFFICIAL CONDUCT. § 42. Paragraph 8 of subdivision 3 and subdivision 4 of section 73-a of the public officers law, paragraph 8 of subdivision 3 as amended by section 6 of part K of chapter 286 of the laws of 2016 and subdivision 4 as amended by section 5 of part A of chapter 399 of the laws of 2011, are amended to read as follows: 8. (a) If the reporting individual practices law, is licensed by the department of state as a real estate broker or agent or practices a A. 3945 18 profession licensed by the department of education, or works as a member or employee of a firm required to register pursuant to section one-e of the legislative law as a lobbyist, describe the services rendered for which compensation was paid including a general description of the prin- cipal subject areas of matters undertaken by such individual and princi- pal duties performed. Specifically state whether the reporting individ- ual provides services directly to clients. Additionally, if such an individual practices with a firm or corporation and is a partner or shareholder of the firm or corporation, give a general description of principal subject areas of matters undertaken by such firm or corpo- ration. ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ (b) APPLICABLE ONLY TO NEW CLIENTS OR CUSTOMERS FOR WHOM SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON OR AFTER JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWELVE AND BEFORE DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST, TWO THOUSAND FIFTEEN, OR FOR NEW MATTERS FOR EXISTING CLIENTS OR CUSTOMERS WITH RESPECT TO THOSE SERVICES THAT ARE PROVIDED ON OR AFTER JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWELVE AND BEFORE DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST, TWO THOUSAND FIFTEEN: If the reporting individual personally provides services to any person or entity, or works as a member or employee of a partnership or corpo- ration that provides such services (referred to hereinafter as a "firm"), then identify each client or customer to whom the reporting individual personally provided services, or who was referred to the firm by the reporting individual, and from whom the reporting individual or his or her firm earned fees in excess of $10,000 during the reporting period for such services rendered in direct connection with: (i) A contract in an amount totaling $50,000 or more from the state or any state agency for services, materials, or property; (ii) A grant of $25,000 or more from the state or any state agency during the reporting period; (iii) A grant obtained through a legislative initiative during the reporting period; or (iv) A case, proceeding, application or other matter that is not a ministerial matter before a state agency during the reporting period. For purposes of this question, "referred to the firm" shall mean: having intentionally and knowingly taken a specific act or series of acts to intentionally procure for the reporting individual's firm or knowingly solicit or direct to the reporting individual's firm in whole or substantial part, a person or entity that becomes a client of that firm for the purposes of representation for a matter as defined in subparagraphs (i) through (iv) of this paragraph, as the result of such procurement, solicitation or direction of the reporting individual. A reporting individual need not disclose activities performed while lawfully acting pursuant to paragraphs (c), (d), (e) and (f) of subdivi- sion seven of section seventy-three of this article. The disclosure requirement in this question shall not require disclo- sure of clients or customers receiving medical or dental services, mental health services, residential real estate brokering services, or insurance brokering services from the reporting individual or his or her firm. The reporting individual need not identify any client to whom he A. 3945 19 or she or his or her firm provided legal representation with respect to investigation or prosecution by law enforcement authorities, bankruptcy, or domestic relations matters. With respect to clients represented in other matters, where disclosure of a client's identity is likely to cause harm, the reporting individual shall request an exemption from the [joint] commission [pursuant to paragraph (i-1) of subdivision nine of section ninety-four of the executive law] ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT, provided, however, that a reporting individual who first enters public office after July first, two thousand twelve, need not report clients or customers with respect to matters for which the reporting individual or his or her firm was retained prior to entering public office. Client Nature of Services Provided ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ (b-1) APPLICABLE ONLY TO NEW CLIENTS OR CUSTOMERS FOR WHOM SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST, TWO THOUSAND FIFTEEN, OR FOR NEW MATTERS FOR EXISTING CLIENTS OR CUSTOMERS WITH RESPECT TO THOSE SERVICES THAT ARE PROVIDED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST, TWO THOU- SAND FIFTEEN (FOR PURPOSES OF THIS QUESTION, "SERVICES" SHALL MEAN CONSULTATION, REPRESENTATION, ADVICE OR OTHER SERVICES): If the reporting individual receives income from employment reportable in question 8(a) and personally provides services to any person or enti- ty, or works as a member or employee of a partnership or corporation that provides such services (referred to hereinafter as a "firm"), the reporting individual shall identify each client or customer to whom the reporting individual personally provided services, or who was referred to the firm by the reporting individual, and from whom the reporting individual or his or her firm earned fees in excess of $10,000 during the reporting period in direct connection with: (i) A contract in an amount totaling $10,000 or more from the state or any state agency for services, materials, or property; (ii) A grant of $10,000 or more from the state or any state agency during the reporting period; (iii) A grant obtained through a legislative initiative during the reporting period; or (iv) A case, proceeding, application or other matter that is not a ministerial matter before a state agency during the reporting period. For such services rendered by the reporting individual directly to each such client, describe each matter that was the subject of such representation, the services actually provided and the payment received. For payments received from clients referred to the firm by the reporting individual, if the reporting individual directly received a referral fee or fees for such referral, identify the client and the payment so received. For purposes of this question, "referred to the firm" shall mean: having intentionally and knowingly taken a specific act or series of acts to intentionally procure for the reporting individual's firm or having knowingly solicited or directed to the reporting individual's firm in whole or substantial part, a person or entity that becomes a client of that firm for the purposes of representation for a matter as defined in clauses (i) through (iv) of this subparagraph, as the result of such procurement, solicitation or direction of the reporting individ- A. 3945 20 ual. A reporting individual need not disclose activities performed while lawfully acting in his or her capacity as provided in paragraphs (c), (d), (e) and (f) of subdivision seven of section seventy-three of this article. Client Matter Nature of Services Provided Category of Amount (in Table I) ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ (b-2) APPLICABLE ONLY TO NEW CLIENTS OR CUSTOMERS FOR WHOM SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST, TWO THOUSAND FIFTEEN, OR FOR NEW MATTERS FOR EXISTING CLIENTS OR CUSTOMERS WITH RESPECT TO THOSE SERVICES THAT ARE PROVIDED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST, TWO THOU- SAND FIFTEEN (FOR PURPOSES OF THIS QUESTION, "SERVICES" SHALL MEAN CONSULTATION, REPRESENTATION, ADVICE OR OTHER SERVICES): (i) With respect to reporting individuals who receive ten thousand dollars or more from employment or activity reportable under question 8(a), for each client or customer NOT otherwise disclosed or exempted in question 8 or 13, disclose the name of each client or customer known to the reporting individual to whom the reporting individual provided services: (A) who paid the reporting individual in excess of five thou- sand dollars for such services; or (B) who had been billed with the knowledge of the reporting individual in excess of five thousand dollars by the firm or other entity named in question 8(a) for the reporting individual's services. Client Services Category of Amount Actually Provided (in Table I) ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ FOLLOWING IS AN ILLUSTRATIVE, NON-EXCLUSIVE LIST OF EXAMPLES OF DESCRIPTIONS OF "SERVICES ACTUALLY PROVIDED": * REVIEWED DOCUMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE; * REPRESENTED CLIENT (IDENTIFY CLIENT BY NAME) IN LEGAL PROCEEDING; * PROVIDED LEGAL ADVICE ON CLIENT MATTER (IDENTIFY CLIENT BY NAME); * CONSULTED WITH CLIENT OR CONSULTED WITH LAW PARTNERS/ASSOCIATES/ MEMBERS OF FIRM ON CLIENT MATTER (IDENTIFY CLIENT BY NAME); * PREPARED CERTIFIED FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR CLIENT (IDENTIFY CLIENT BY NAME); * REFERRED INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY (IDENTIFY CLIENT BY NAME) FOR REPRESENTATION OR CONSULTATION; * COMMERCIAL BROKERING SERVICES (IDENTIFY CUSTOMER BY NAME); * PREPARED CERTIFIED ARCHITECTURAL OR ENGINEERING RENDERINGS FOR CLIENT (IDENTIFY CUSTOMER BY NAME); * COURT APPOINTED GUARDIAN OR EVALUATOR (IDENTIFY COURT NOT CLIENT). (ii) With respect to reporting individuals who disclosed in question 8(a) that the reporting individual did not provide services to a client but provided services to a firm or business, identify the category of A. 3945 21 amount received for providing such services and describe the services rendered. Services Actually Provided Category of Amount (Table I) ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ A reporting individual need not disclose activities performed while lawfully acting in his or her capacity as provided in paragraphs (c), (d), (e) and (f) of subdivision seven of section seventy-three of this article. The disclosure requirement in questions (b-1) and (b-2) shall not require disclosing clients or customers receiving medical, pharmaceu- tical or dental services, mental health services, or residential real estate brokering services from the reporting individual or his or her firm or if federal law prohibits or limits disclosure. The reporting individual need not identify any client to whom he or she or his or her firm provided legal representation with respect to investigation or prosecution by law enforcement authorities, bankruptcy, family court, estate planning, or domestic relations matters, nor shall the reporting individual identify individuals represented pursuant to an insurance policy but the reporting individual shall in such circumstances only report the entity that provides compensation to the reporting individ- ual; with respect to matters in which the client's name is required by law to be kept confidential (such as matters governed by the family court act) or in matters in which the reporting individual represents or provides services to minors, the client's name may be replaced with initials. To the extent that the reporting individual, or his or her firm, provided legal representation with respect to an initial public offering, and professional disciplinary rules, federal law or regu- lations restrict the disclosure of information relating to such work, the reporting individual shall (i) disclose the identity of the client and the services provided relating to the initial public offering to the office of court administration, who will maintain such information confidentially in a locked box; and (ii) include in his or her response to questions (b-1) and (b-2) that pursuant to this paragraph, a disclo- sure to the office of court administration has been made. Upon such time that the disclosure of information maintained in the locked box is no longer restricted by professional disciplinary rules, federal law or regulation, the reporting individual shall disclose such information in an amended disclosure statement in response to the disclosure require- ments in questions (b-1) and (b-2). The office of court administration shall develop and maintain a secure portal through which information submitted to it pursuant to this paragraph can be safely and confiden- tially stored. With respect to clients represented in other matters not otherwise exempt, the reporting individual may request an exemption to publicly disclosing the name of that client from the [joint] commission [pursuant to paragraph (i-1) of subdivision nine of section ninety-four of the executive law] ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT, or from the office of court administration. In such application, the reporting individual shall state the following: "My client is not currently receiving my services or seeking my services in connection with: (i) A proposed bill or resolution in the senate or assembly during the reporting period; (ii) A contract in an amount totaling $10,000 or more from the state or any state agency for services, materials, or property; A. 3945 22 (iii) A grant of $10,000 or more from the state or any state agency during the reporting period; (iv) A grant obtained through a legislative initiative during the reporting period; or (v) A case, proceeding, application or other matter that is not a ministerial matter before a state agency during the reporting period." In reviewing the request for an exemption, the [joint] commission ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT or the office of court administration may consult with bar or other professional associations and the legislative ethics commission for individuals subject to its jurisdiction and may consider the rules of professional conduct. In making its determination, the [joint] commission ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT or the office of court adminis- tration shall conduct its own inquiry and shall consider factors includ- ing, but not limited to: (i) the nature and the size of the client; (ii) whether the client has any business before the state; and if so, how significant the business is; and whether the client has any particular- ized interest in pending legislation and if so how significant the interest is; (iii) whether disclosure may reveal trade secrets; (iv) whether disclosure could reasonably result in retaliation against the client; (v) whether disclosure may cause undue harm to the client; (vi) whether disclosure may result in undue harm to the attorney-client relationship; and (vii) whether disclosure may result in an unnecessary invasion of privacy to the client. The [joint] commission ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT or, as the case may be, the office of court administration shall promptly make a final determination in response to such request, which shall include an explanation for its determination. The office of court administration shall issue its final determination within three days of receiving the request. Notwithstand- ing any other provision of law or any professional disciplinary rule to the contrary, the disclosure of the identity of any client or customer in response to this question shall not constitute professional miscon- duct or a ground for disciplinary action of any kind, or form the basis for any civil or criminal cause of action or proceeding. A reporting individual who first enters public office after January first, two thou- sand sixteen, need not report clients or customers with respect to matters for which the reporting individual or his or her firm was retained prior to entering public office. (c) APPLICABLE ONLY TO NEW CLIENTS OR CUSTOMERS FOR WHOM SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST, TWO THOUSAND FIFTEEN, OR FOR NEW MATTERS FOR EXISTING CLIENTS OR CUSTOMERS WITH RESPECT TO THOSE SERVICES THAT ARE PROVIDED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST, TWO THOU- SAND FIFTEEN: If the reporting individual receives income of ten thousand dollars or greater from any employment or activity reportable under question 8(a), identify each registered lobbyist who has directly referred to such individual a client who was successfully referred to the reporting indi- vidual's business and from whom the reporting individual or firm received a fee for services in excess of five thousand dollars. Report only those referrals that were made to a reporting individual by direct communication from a person known to such reporting individual to be a registered lobbyist at the time the referral is made. With respect to each such referral, the reporting individual shall identify the client, the registered lobbyist who has made the referral, the category of value of the compensation received and a general description of the type of matter so referred. A reporting individual need not disclose activities performed while lawfully acting pursuant to paragraphs (c), (d), (e) and A. 3945 23 (f) of subdivision seven of section seventy-three of this article. The disclosure requirements in this question shall not require disclosing clients or customers receiving medical, pharmaceutical or dental services, mental health services, or residential real estate brokering services from the reporting individual or his or her firm or if federal law prohibits or limits disclosure. The reporting individual need not identify any client to whom he or she or his or her firm provided legal representation with respect to investigation or prosecution by law enforcement authorities, bankruptcy, family court, estate planning, or domestic relations matters, nor shall the reporting individual identify individuals represented pursuant to an insurance policy but the report- ing individual shall in such circumstances only report the entity that provides compensation to the reporting individual; with respect to matters in which the client's name is required by law to be kept confi- dential (such as matters governed by the family court act) or in matters in which the reporting individual represents or provides services to minors, the client's name may be replaced with initials. To the extent that the reporting individual, or his or her firm, provided legal repre- sentation with respect to an initial public offering, and federal law or regulations restricts the disclosure of information relating to such work, the reporting individual shall (i) disclose the identity of the client and the services provided relating to the initial public offering to the office of court administration, who will maintain such informa- tion confidentially in a locked box; and (ii) include in his or her response a statement that pursuant to this paragraph, a disclosure to the office of court administration has been made. Upon such time that the disclosure of information maintained in the locked box is no longer restricted by federal law or regulation, the reporting individual shall disclose such information in an amended disclosure statement in response to the disclosure requirements of this paragraph. The office of court administration shall develop and maintain a secure portal through which information submitted to it pursuant to this paragraph can be safely and confidentially stored. With respect to clients represented in other matters not otherwise exempt, the reporting individual may request an exemption to publicly disclosing the name of that client from the [joint] commission [pursuant to paragraph (i-1) of subdivision nine of section ninety-four of the executive law] ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT, or from the office of court administration. In such application, the reporting individual shall state the following: "My client is not currently receiving my services or seeking my services in connection with: (i) A proposed bill or resolution in the senate or assembly during the reporting period; (ii) A contract in an amount totaling $10,000 or more from the state or any state agency for services, materials, or property; (iii) A grant of $10,000 or more from the state or any state agency during the reporting period; (iv) A grant obtained through a legislative initiative during the reporting period; or (v) A case, proceeding, application or other matter that is not a ministerial matter before a state agency during the reporting period." In reviewing the request for an exemption, the [joint] commission ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT or the office of court administration may consult with bar or other professional associations and the legislative ethics commission for individuals subject to its jurisdiction and may consider the rules of professional conduct. In making its determination, the [joint] commission ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT or the office of court adminis- A. 3945 24 tration shall conduct its own inquiry and shall consider factors includ- ing, but not limited to: (i) the nature and the size of the client; (ii) whether the client has any business before the state; and if so, how significant the business is; and whether the client has any particular- ized interest in pending legislation and if so how significant the interest is; (iii) whether disclosure may reveal trade secrets; (iv) whether disclosure could reasonably result in retaliation against the client; (v) whether disclosure may cause undue harm to the client; (vi) whether disclosure may result in undue harm to the attorney-client relationship; and (vii) whether disclosure may result in an unnecessary invasion of privacy to the client. The [joint] commission ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT or, as the case may be, the office of court administration shall promptly make a final determination in response to such request, which shall include an explanation for its determination. The office of court administration shall issue its final determination within three days of receiving the request. Notwithstand- ing any other provision of law or any professional disciplinary rule to the contrary, the disclosure of the identity of any client or customer in response to this question shall not constitute professional miscon- duct or a ground for disciplinary action of any kind, or form the basis for any civil or criminal cause of action or proceeding. A reporting individual who first enters public office after December thirty-first, two thousand fifteen, need not report clients or customers with respect to matters for which the reporting individual or his or her firm was retained prior to entering public office. Client Name of Lobbyist Description Category of Amount of Matter (in Table 1) ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ (d) List the name, principal address and general description or the nature of the business activity of any entity in which the reporting individual or such individual's spouse had an investment in excess of $1,000 excluding investments in securities and interests in real proper- ty. 4. A reporting individual who knowingly and wilfully fails to file an annual statement of financial disclosure or who knowingly and wilfully with intent to deceive makes a false statement or gives information which such individual knows to be false on such statement of financial disclosure filed pursuant to this section shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed forty thousand dollars. Assessment of a civil penalty hereunder shall be made by the [joint] commission on [public ethics] OFFICIAL CONDUCT or by the legislative ethics commis- sion, as the case may be, with respect to persons subject to their respective jurisdictions. The [joint] commission on [public ethics acting pursuant to subdivision fourteen of section ninety-four of the executive law] OFFICIAL CONDUCT or the legislative ethics commission acting pursuant to subdivision eleven of section eighty of the legisla- tive law, as the case may be, may, in lieu of or in addition to a civil penalty, refer a violation to the appropriate prosecutor and upon such conviction, but only after such referral, such violation shall be punishable as a class A misdemeanor. A civil penalty for false filing may not be imposed hereunder in the event a category of "value" or A. 3945 25 "amount" reported hereunder is incorrect unless such reported informa- tion is falsely understated. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no other penalty, civil or criminal may be imposed for a failure to file, or for a false filing, of such statement, except that the appointing authority may impose disciplinary action as otherwise provided by law. The [joint] commission on [public ethics] OFFICIAL CONDUCT and the legislative ethics commission shall each be deemed to be an agency within the meaning of article three of the state administra- tive procedure act and shall adopt rules governing the conduct of adju- dicatory proceedings and appeals relating to the assessment of the civil penalties herein authorized. Such rules, which shall not be subject to the approval requirements of the state administrative procedure act, shall provide for due process procedural mechanisms substantially simi- lar to those set forth in such article three but such mechanisms need not be identical in terms or scope. Assessment of a civil penalty shall be final unless modified, suspended or vacated within thirty days of imposition and upon becoming final shall be subject to review at the instance of the affected reporting individual in a proceeding commenced against the [joint] commission on [public ethics] OFFICIAL CONDUCT or the legislative ethics commission, pursuant to article seventy-eight of the civil practice law and rules. § 43. The opening paragraph of section 1-d of the legislative law, as amended by chapter 14 of the laws of 2007, is amended to read as follows: In addition to any other powers and duties [provided by section nine- ty-four of the executive law,] the commission shall, with respect to its lobbying-related functions only, have the power and duty to: § 44. Subdivision 3 of section 2986 of the public authorities law, as added by chapter 506 of the laws of 2009, is amended to read as follows: 3. Any communications between an employee and the authorities budget office pursuant to this section shall be held strictly confidential by the authorities budget office, unless the employee specifically waives in writing the right to confidentiality, except that such confidentiali- ty shall not exempt the authorities budget office from disclosing such information, where appropriate, to the COMMISSION ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT [state inspector general in accordance with section fifty-five of the executive law,] or prevent disclosure to any law enforcement authority. § 45. This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeed- ing the date on which it shall have become a law; provided that sections six through twenty-three and sections twenty-five through thirty-seven of this act shall take effect on the first of April next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law; and provided further that the amendments to subdivision 3 of section 212 of the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law made by section twenty-eight of this act shall not affect the repeal of such section and shall be deemed repealed ther- ewith. PART C Section 1. The election law is amended by adding a new section 14-131 to read as follows: § 14-131. CONTRIBUTION FUNDS; FORFEITURE AFTER CRIMINAL CONVICTION. 1. ALL CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY AN ELECTED CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OFFICE OR AN ELECTED OFFICIAL, WHO IS CHARGED WITH A FELONY WHERE SUCH FELONY WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO HIS OR HER SERVICE AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL, OR OFFI- CER OF THE STATE OR OF A CIVIL DIVISION THEREOF, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A. 3945 26 IMMEDIATE AUDIT AND ANY UNSPENT CONTRIBUTIONS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS UPON CONVICTION OR RESIGNATION OF SUCH ELECTED CANDIDATE. 2. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, OR DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF THE COUNTY WHEREIN THE ELECTION OCCURRED, SHALL HAVE STANDING TO INITIATE A FORFEITURE PROCEEDING BROUGHT PURSUANT TO ARTICLE SIXTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER. TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, THIS SPECIAL PROCEEDING SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE PROCE- DURES OF ARTICLE THIRTEEN-A OF THE CIVIL PRACTICE LAW AND RULES SHALL GOVERN THE PROCEEDINGS AND ACTIONS UNDER THIS SECTION. 3. THE COMPTROLLER SHALL RECEIVE ANY FORFEITED UNSPENT CONTRIBUTIONS AND, TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE, RETURN SUCH FUNDS TO THE PRIVATE SOURCE OF SUCH FUNDS, AS LONG AS THE PRIVATE SOURCE OF SUCH FUNDS IS LOCATED WITHIN THE DISTRICT THAT IS REPRESENTED BY THE ELECTED CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OFFICE OR ELECTED OFFICIAL OR STATEWIDE FOR GOVERNOR, COMP- TROLLER, AND ATTORNEY GENERAL. IF THE COMPTROLLER FAILS TO LOCATE THE PRIVATE SOURCE OF SUCH FUNDS, OR IF THE PRIVATE SOURCE OF SUCH FUNDS RESIDES OUTSIDE OF THE ELECTION DISTRICT THAT IS REPRESENTED BY THE ELECTED CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OFFICE OR ELECTED OFFICIAL OR STATEWIDE FOR GOVERNOR, COMPTROLLER, AND ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE UNSPENT CONTRIBUTIONS SHALL BE DONATED TO A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION THAT IS, TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE, LOCATED IN THE ELECTION DISTRICT THAT IS REPRESENTED BY THE ELECTED CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OFFICE OR ELECTED OFFICIAL OR STATEWIDE FOR GOVERNOR, COMPTROLLER, AND ATTORNEY GENERAL. ANY FORFEITED UNSPENT CONTRIBUTIONS SHALL BE RETURNED TO THE PRIVATE SOURCE OF SUCH FUNDS, OR DONATED TO A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION, WITHIN ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DAYS OF THE RECEIPT OF SUCH FUNDS BY THE COMPTROLLER. 4. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION" SHALL MEAN ANY NON-PROFIT CORPORATION ORGANIZED FOR BONA FIDE CHARITABLE OR PHILANTHROPIC PURPOSES. 5. THE COMPTROLLER SHALL PROVIDE THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE WITH A LIST OF CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE DONATIONS PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION. CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS ON SUCH LIST MAY BE DEEMED INELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE DONATIONS PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE OR THE MINOR- ITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY. § 2. The election law is amended by adding a new section 16-111 to read as follows: § 16-111. PROCEEDINGS AS TO FORFEITURE OF FUNDS. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY MAY BRING A SPECIAL PROCEEDING SEEKING TO SEIZE AND CAUSE TO BE FORFEITED THE FUNDS OF A DESIGNATED CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT AS OUTLINED IN SECTION 14-131 OF THIS CHAPTER. UPON A SHOWING OF INDICTMENT OR CRIMINAL ARRAIGNMENT, AN ACTION MAY BE INSTITUTED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION WHICH WILL ALLOW FOR THE FREEZING OF SAID DESIGNATED CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT. § 3. This act shall take effect immediately. PART D Section 1. The penal law is amended by adding a new article 201 to read as follows: ARTICLE 201 FAILURE TO REPORT CORRUPTION SECTION 201.00 FAILURE TO REPORT CORRUPTION. § 201.00 FAILURE TO REPORT CORRUPTION. 1. A PUBLIC SERVANT IS GUILTY OF FAILURE TO REPORT CORRUPTION WHEN: A. 3945 27 (A) A PUBLIC SERVANT KNOWS THAT ANOTHER PERSON OR PUBLIC SERVANT IS GUILTY OF OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT PURSUANT TO ARTICLE ONE HUNDRED NINETY- FIVE OF THIS TITLE; IS GUILTY OF BRIBERY OR BRIBE RECEIVING PURSUANT TO ARTICLE TWO HUNDRED OF THIS TITLE; OR IS GUILTY OF A CRIME OF CORRUPTING THE GOVERNMENT PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FOUR HUNDRED NINETY-SIX OF THIS TITLE; AND (B) SUCH PUBLIC SERVANT DOES NOT, AS SOON AS REASONABLY PRACTICABLE, REPORT SUCH CRIME TO A DISTRICT ATTORNEY OR TO THE COMMISSION ON OFFI- CIAL CONDUCT. 2. ANY PUBLIC SERVANT WHO MAKES A REPORT PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO DISMISSAL, DISCIPLINE OR OTHER PERSONNEL ACTION AS A RESULT OF MAKING SUCH REPORT. FAILURE TO REPORT CORRUPTION IS A CLASS A MISDEMEANOR. § 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law. PART E Section 1. Section 14-130 of the election law is REPEALED and a new section 14-130 is added to read as follows: § 14-130. CAMPAIGN FUNDS FOR PERSONAL USE. 1. CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY A CANDIDATE OR A POLITICAL COMMITTEE MAY BE EXPENDED FOR ANY LAWFUL PURPOSE THAT IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO PROMOTING THE NOMINATION OR ELECTION OF A CANDIDATE. SUCH FUNDS SHALL NOT BE CONVERTED BY ANY PERSON TO A PERSONAL USE. 2. (A) AS USED IN THIS SECTION, EXPENDITURES FOR "PERSONAL USE" ARE DEFINED AS EXPENDITURES THAT: (I) ARE FOR THE PERSONAL BENEFIT OF THE CANDIDATE OR ANY OTHER INDI- VIDUAL; (II) DEFRAY NORMAL LIVING EXPENSES OF THE CANDIDATE, IMMEDIATE FAMILY OF THE CANDIDATE, OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL; (III) ARE USED TO FULFILL ANY COMMITMENT, OBLIGATION, OR EXPENSE OF A PERSON THAT WOULD EXIST IRRESPECTIVE OF THE CANDIDATE'S ELECTION CAMPAIGN; (IV) ARE PUT TO ANY USE FOR WHICH THE CANDIDATE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO TREAT THE AMOUNT OF THE EXPENDITURE AS GROSS INCOME UNDER SECTION SIXTY-ONE OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, OR ANY SUBSEQUENT CORRESPONDING SECTION OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF THE UNITED STATES. (B) EXPENDITURES FOR PERSONAL USE SHALL INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, EXPENSES FOR THE FOLLOWING THAT ARE NOT RELATED TO CAMPAIGN PURPOSES OR ACTIVITIES: (I) CRIMINAL ATTORNEY OR LEGAL FEES; (II) FOOD; (III) SALARY PAYMENTS TO A PERSON OR A FAMILY MEMBER; (IV) AUTOMOBILE PURCHASES OR LEASES; (V) TRAVEL AND MILEAGE; (VI) RESIDENTIAL OR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS; (VII) MORTGAGE, RENT, OR UTILITY PAYMENTS; (VIII) FUNERAL, CREMATION, OR BURIAL; (IX) CLOTHING; (X) TUITION PAYMENTS; (XI) CHILDCARE; (XII) DUES, FEES, OR GRATUITIES AT A COUNTRY CLUB, HEALTH CLUB, FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION OR PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OR RECREATIONAL FACILITY; A. 3945 28 (XIII) ADMISSION TO A SPORTING EVENT, CONCERT, THEATER, OR OTHER FORM OF ENTERTAINMENT; (XIV) PAYMENT OF ANY FINES, FEES, OR PENALTIES; AND (XV) ANY OTHER EXPENDITURE DESIGNATED BY THE COMMISSION ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT AS CONSTITUTING PERSONAL USE. § 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeed- ing the date on which it shall have become a law. PART F Section 1. Section 14-126 of the election law, as amended by section 6 of subpart C of part H of chapter 55 of the laws of 2014, subdivision 1 as separately amended by section 1 of subpart B of part H of chapter 55 of the laws of 2014, subdivision 3 as amended, subdivision 7 as added by section 12 of part JJJ of chapter 59 of the laws of 2018, and subdivi- sion 3-a as added by section 11 of part A of chapter 286 of the laws of 2016, is amended to read as follows: § 14-126. Violations; penalties. 1. (a) Any person who fails to file a statement required to be filed by this article shall be subject to a civil penalty, not in excess of one thousand dollars, to be recoverable in a special proceeding or civil action to be brought by the chief enforcement counsel pursuant to section 16-114 of this chapter OR BY THE COMMISSION ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT. 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, shall be subject to a civil penalty, not in excess of ten thousand dollars, to be recoverable as provided for in this subdivision. (b) All payments received by the state board of elections pursuant to this section shall be retained in the appropriate accounts as designated by the division of the budget for enforcement activities by the board of elections. 2. 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, 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 recoverable in a special proceeding or civil action to be brought by the state board of elections chief enforcement counsel. 3. Any person who falsely identifies or knowingly fails to identify any independent expenditure as required by subdivision two of section 14-107 of this article shall be subject to a civil penalty up to one thousand dollars or up to the cost of the communication, whichever is greater, in a special proceeding or civil action brought by the state board of elections chief enforcement counsel pursuant to paragraph (a) of subdivision five of section 3-104 of this chapter. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "person" shall mean a person, group of persons, corporation, unincorporated business entity, labor organization or business, trade or professional association or organization or poli- tical committee. 3-a. Any person who, acting as or on behalf of an independent expendi- ture committee or a political action committee, knowingly and willfully violates the provisions of section 14-107-a of this article shall be subject to a civil penalty, up to one thousand dollars or up to the cost of the communication, whichever is greater, to be recoverable in a A. 3945 29 special proceeding or civil action to be brought by the state board of elections. 4. (A) Any person who knowingly and willfully fails to file a state- ment required to be filed by this article within ten days after the date provided for filing such statement or any person who knowingly and will- fully violates any other provision of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (B) ANY CANDIDATE OR PERSON ACTING AS OR ON BEHALF OF A CANDIDATE OR POLITICAL COMMITTEE WHO KNOWINGLY AND WILLFULLY FAILS TO FILE A STATE- MENT REQUIRED TO BE FILED BY THIS ARTICLE WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE PROVIDED FOR FILING SUCH STATEMENT, UNLESS GRANTED AN EXTENSION BY THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS OR OTHER BOARD OF ELECTIONS, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A CIVIL PENALTY OF ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST OFFENSE AND TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR THE SECOND OFFENSE AND EVERY OFFENSE COMMITTED THEREAFTER TO BE RECOVERABLE IN A SPECIAL PROCEEDING OR CIVIL ACTION TO BE BROUGHT BY THE COMMISSION ON OFFICIAL CONDUCT. CANDIDATES SHALL BE PLACED ON NOTICE BY THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, AND WILL BE LIABLE FOR ANY CRIMINAL OR CIVIL PENALTIES FOR THE TREASURER'S FAIL- URE TO FILE REQUIRED DISCLOSURE REPORTS. 5. Any person who knowingly and willfully contributes, accepts or aids or participates in the acceptance of a contribution in an amount exceed- ing an applicable maximum specified in this article shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. 6. Any person who shall, acting on behalf of a candidate or political 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 article, shall be guilty of a class E felony. 7. Any online platform that fails to comply with the requirements of section 14-107-b of this article shall be subject to a civil penalty up to one thousand dollars for each violation in a special proceeding or civil action brought by the state board of elections chief enforcement counsel pursuant to paragraph (a) of subdivision five of section 3-104 of this chapter. § 2. This act shall take effect immediately. PART G Section 1. The legislative law is amended by adding a new section 5-b to read as follows: § 5-B. LIMITS ON TIME A LEGISLATOR MAY SERVE AS A LEGISLATIVE LEADER. NO MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE MAY BE ELECTED TO SERVE MORE THAN FOUR CONSECUTIVE TWO YEAR TERMS AS THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE, SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY OR THE CHAIRPERSON OF ANY SENATE OR ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE. § 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeed- ing the date on which it shall have become a law. § 3. Severability clause. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivi- sion, section or part of this act shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judg- ment shall have been rendered. It is hereby declared to be the intent of A. 3945 30 the legislature that this act would have been enacted even if such invalid provisions had not been included herein. § 4. This act shall take effect immediately; provided, however, that the applicable effective dates of Parts A through G of this act shall be as specifically set forth in the last section of such Parts.
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