Bill > S00701

This bill modifies New York state election law regarding the use of campaign funds, establishing clearer and more comprehensive guidelines for how candidates and political committees can spend campaign contributions. The legislation explicitly defines "personal use" of campaign funds as expenditures that benefit the candidate, their immediate family, or domestic partner, or that cover normal living expenses unrelated to campaign activities or official duties. The bill provides an extensive list of prohibited personal uses, including residential expenses, excessive rental or utility payments, entertainment expenses, vehicle purchases, tuition payments, and payments of personal fines or penalties. Campaign funds can now only be used for two specific purposes: promoting a candidate's election or performing unpaid duties related to public office or party position. The bill also updates rules for disposing of campaign funds after a candidate's death, allowing the candidate's estate or committee to return funds to contributors, donate to charities or state institutions, transfer to political parties, or contribute to other candidates, while strictly prohibiting personal use. The new law will take effect 60 days after becoming law, with the state board of elections required to notify registered campaign committees about the new provisions within 30 days.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S701