Bill > S08450

This bill amends New York election law to explicitly allow candidates to use public campaign funds for disability access services and language interpretation/translation services. Specifically, the bill permits candidates to use campaign contributions to pay for services like captioning, sign language interpretation, assistive listening devices, Braille, large print materials, communication access real-time translation (CART), accessible transportation, and language interpretation. These expenditures would be considered valid campaign expenses and would not be subject to the usual spending limitations. The bill applies to both state and New York City election laws, effectively expanding the definition of acceptable campaign expenditures to be more inclusive of accessibility and language needs. By making these services eligible for campaign fund usage, the bill aims to remove financial barriers that might prevent candidates from making their campaigns and communications more accessible to people with disabilities and those who speak languages other than English. The bill will take effect 180 days after becoming law, allowing time for necessary regulatory adjustments.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8450