Kaminsky introduces legislation to target convicted politicians' campaign funds

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Legislation aimed at prohibiting convicted elected officials from continuing to use their campaign funds from prison is being introduced in Albany.

State Sen. Todd Kaminsky tells Newsday that his measure being introduced Tuesday would target “zombie accounts” used by convicted officials to support other political campaigns and pay lawyers’ bills.

Kaminsky’s legislation also would require convicted elected officials to close their campaign funds within two years.

The bill is sponsored in the Assembly by fellow Long Island Democrat Judy Griffin.

Their measure would require elected officials convicted of felonies to return contributions or donate them to charity, the New York state or city university system, or the state’s general fund.

Current state law requires that the campaign accounts of deceased elected officials be closed within two years of their death.

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