Bill > S00472

This bill enacts the "Truth in Spending Act," which introduces comprehensive transparency and accountability measures for state budget allocations and legislative funding. The bill requires that prior to disbursing budgetary funds, the governor and legislature must provide a brief project description, ensure funds are used for a public purpose, and mandate that legislators or the governor requesting an appropriation sign a conflict of interest form disclosing political donations over $4,000 from the potential funding recipient in the past five years. Appropriations are prohibited if a conflict of interest exists or if the recipient organization employs or is affiliated with the requesting official or their family. The bill mandates that at least 72 hours before budget approval, detailed information about each allocation must be publicly published online, including the sponsor, amount, location, recipient, and project description. Recipients of allocations must provide certification of fund usage, with different reporting requirements for amounts under and over $50,000. Organizations seeking funding must meet pre-certification standards established by the Attorney General, including being a tax-exempt nonprofit, state agency, or educational institution. The bill also stipulates that budget bills must contain itemized appropriations and cannot use lump-sum allocations, with full implementation of these requirements beginning in 2026. Importantly, the bill allows for potential further ethics guidelines and maintains existing review processes by state oversight entities.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S472