Bill > A09233

This bill regulates the political activities of corporations and other "artificial persons" in New York by significantly limiting their ability to engage in election and ballot-issue activities. The bill defines "artificial persons" broadly to include various types of corporate entities, such as business and nonprofit corporations, limited liability companies, and foreign entities doing business in New York. It establishes that corporations do not have an inherent right to participate in political activities and can only engage in election or ballot-issue activities if they are specifically registered political committees. The bill introduces new definitions for "election activity" and "ballot-issue activity," excluding bona fide news reporting, and stipulates that any corporation engaging in such activities without proper authorization will forfeit its charter privileges, such as limited liability protection. Furthermore, the bill declares that any political activity conducted by an unauthorized artificial person is considered "ultra vires" (beyond legal power) and void, potentially subjecting the entity to civil actions by shareholders, members, or the attorney general. The legislation aims to restrict corporate influence in political processes by narrowly defining and limiting the political powers of artificial persons operating in New York.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9233