Bill > S02138

This bill requires candidates in New York to file a sworn statement with the board of elections within fifteen days of filing their candidacy documents, providing detailed information about their personal and professional background. The statement must include the candidate's military service record (specifying service dates, years, and final rank), employment history for the past five years (including employer names and job titles), current residential address, an attestation of meeting residency requirements for the sought office, and verification of any educational or employment claims made during their campaign. Candidates must attest to the statement's accuracy under penalty of perjury and have it notarized. If a candidate makes additional representations during the campaign, they must file an amended statement with the board of elections when submitting their next campaign finance report. Failure to file the initial or amended statement within five business days will result in civil penalties, starting at $1,000 and increasing by $25 per day, up to a maximum of $2,000. The board of elections is required to post these statements on their website within five business days of receipt and notify candidates who have not complied. Importantly, any penalties must be paid personally by the candidate and cannot be drawn from campaign funds. The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in the electoral process by requiring candidates to provide comprehensive and verified information about their background.