Bill > A03745

This bill introduces new regulations for legal defense contributions to state legislators, requiring such contributions to be subject to the same monetary limits and disclosure requirements as campaign contributions. Specifically, the bill mandates that any financial contribution made to a legislator for legal defense purposes must be reported annually to the legislative ethics commission, including details such as the amount, contributor's name and address, and the purpose of the contribution. The bill defines "contribution" broadly, covering not just monetary gifts but also services or anything of value provided to help with a legislator's legal defense in civil or criminal actions. Anonymous contributions cannot be used and must be turned over to the state comptroller unless the contributor's identity is revealed. The provisions will take effect on January 1, 2025, and aim to increase transparency around how legislators fund their legal expenses by treating these contributions similar to campaign funds. This approach seeks to prevent potential conflicts of interest or hidden financial support that could unduly influence legislative members.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3745