Bill > A07914

This bill establishes a 25-member commission to investigate foreign influence on governmental employees and elections in New York State. The commission will be composed of five members appointed by each of five key political leaders: the governor, assembly speaker, senate president, assembly minority leader, and senate minority leader. The commission's primary responsibilities include investigating and making recommendations to address weaknesses in existing laws and procedures related to lobbying, public corruption, ethics, foreign entities' influence on elected officials and elections, and situations where governmental employees act on behalf of foreign entities. The commission will have significant investigative powers, including the ability to subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and examine evidence, with the requirement that subpoenas be unanimously approved by the commission's chairperson(s). The commission is required to issue a preliminary policy report by May 1, 2026, and a final report by May 1, 2027, both of which must be approved by a majority of commission members. If the investigation uncovers potential legal violations, the commission will communicate evidence to the attorney general and other law enforcement agencies. The commission will automatically expire six months after submitting its final report, ensuring a time-limited but comprehensive investigation into potential foreign influence on New York's governmental processes.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7914