Enacts the "corporate political activity accountability to shareholders act"; establishes the corporate political activity accountability to shareholders act which requires that corporate contributions to a political candidate or party committee or in support or opposition to a candidate or ballot referendum be approved by a majority of shareholders; applies to cooperative corporations, not-for-profit corporations, railroad and transportation corporations.
Sponsor: SQUADRON
Committee: RULES
Law Section: Business Corporation Law
Law: Add SS631, 1321, 1517 & 1534, BC L; add S78, Coop Corps L; add S523, N-PC L; add S35, Rail L; add S7, Transp Corps L; add S5017, Bank L; add S510, Lim Lil L
Law Section: Business Corporation Law
Law: Add SS631, 1321, 1517 & 1534, BC L; add S78, Coop Corps L; add S523, N-PC L; add S35, Rail L; add S7, Transp Corps L; add S5017, Bank L; add S510, Lim Lil L
S101-2011 Actions
- Mar 12, 2012: COMMITTEE DISCHARGED AND COMMITTED TO RULES
- Mar 7, 2012: NOTICE OF PETITION - REQUESTED
- Mar 5, 2012: DEFEATED IN CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS
- Feb 27, 2012: NOTICE OF COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION - REQUESTED
- Jan 4, 2012: REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS
- Apr 5, 2011: NOTICE OF COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION - REQUESTED
- Jan 5, 2011: REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS
S101-2011 Meetings
Corporations, Authorities and Commissions: Mar 5, 2012S101-2011 Votes
VOTE: COMMITTEE VOTE:
- Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
- Mar 5, 2012
Ayes (2): Perkins, Squadron
Nays (4): Ranzenhofer, Flanagan, Larkin, Martins
S101-2011 Memo
BILL NUMBER:S101 TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the business corporation law, the cooperative corporations law, the not-for-profit corporation law, the railroad law, the transportation corporations law, the banking law and the limited liability company law, in relation to enacting the "corporate political activity accountability to shareholders act" PURPOSE: The purpose of this bill is to empower shareholders to make decisions about core corporate political activity. SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: Section 1 titles the act as the "Corporate Political Activity Accountability to Shareholders Act". sections 2 through 11 requires that corporations formed under the business corporation law, the cooperative corporation law, the not-for-profit law, the railroad law, the transportation corporations law, the banking law, and the limited liability company law, professional service corporations as well as foreign corporations, and foreign professional service corporations authorized to do business in New York, (1) at least annually obtain prior authorization of a majority of shares voting before making any corporate political donations in New York, up to a total annual aggregate amount approved by the shareholders, and (2) disclose to its shareholders and file with the secretary of state an accounting of all such corporate donations, including the identity of the candidates, committees and initiatives funded and the business rational for such contributions. Sections 2 through 11 also provide the attorney general with the authority to enforce the provisions of each section. Section 12 contains a severability clause. Section 13 provides that this act shall take effect on the first of August next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law. JUSTIFICATION: This bill responds to the supreme Court's decision in Citizen's united v. Federal Election Commission to effectively eliminate restrictions on corporations' ability to expend corporate resources in support or opposition to political candidates, political parties and ballot referendums. specifically, this bill gives shareholders the necessary tools to ensure that the expenditure of corporate resources toward political activity serves the objectives for which the corpo- ration was formed, is consistent with the corporation's business interests, and enhances - rather than diminishes shareholder value. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: 2010: S.7083A/A.9948B FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None to the state. EFFECTIVE; DATE: This act shall take effect on the first of August next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
S101-2011 Text
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
101
2011-2012 Regular Sessions
I N SENATE
(PREFILED)
January 5, 2011
___________
Introduced by Sens. SQUADRON, ADDABBO, KRUEGER, PERKINS, SERRANO -- read
twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the
Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
AN ACT to amend the business corporation law, the cooperative corpo-
rations law, the not-for-profit corporation law, the railroad law, the
transportation corporations law, the banking law and the limited
liability company law, in relation to enacting the "corporate poli-
tical activity accountability to shareholders act"
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as
the "corporate political activity accountability to shareholders act".
S 2. The business corporation law is amended by adding a new section
631 to read as follows:
S 631. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
(A) DEFINITIONS. WHEN USED IN THIS SECTION:
(1) THE TERM "CONTRIBUTION" MEANS ANY GIFT, SUBSCRIPTION, OUTSTANDING
LOAN, ADVANCE, DEPOSIT OF MONEY OR ANY THING OF VALUE PROVIDED TO A
POLITICAL COMMITTEE, PARTY COMMITTEE, CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE OR DULY
CONSTITUTED SUBCOMMITTEE OF A COUNTY COMMITTEE, AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED IN ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THE ELECTION LAW, IN SUPPORT OR OPPO-
SITION TO A CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE, REFERENDUM, POLITICAL
PARTY, ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION OR ANY COMMUNICATION MADE TO THE
GENERAL PUBLIC INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTACT A GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL, CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE OR POLITICAL PARTY
REGARDING PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION;
(2) THE TERM "INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE" MEANS AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY A
PERSON FOR AN AUDIO OR VIDEO COMMUNICATION TO A GENERAL PUBLIC AUDIENCE
VIA BROADCAST, CABLE OR SATELLITE OR A WRITTEN COMMUNICATION TO A GENER-
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01406-01-1
S. 101 2
AL PUBLIC AUDIENCE VIA ADVERTISEMENTS, PAMPHLETS, CIRCULARS, FLYERS,
BROCHURES, LETTERHEADS OR OTHER PRINTED MATTER AND STATEMENTS OR INFOR-
MATION CONVEYED TO FIVE HUNDRED OR MORE MEMBERS OF A GENERAL PUBLIC
AUDIENCE BY COMPUTER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHICH: (I) EXPRESSLY
ADVOCATES THE ELECTION OR DEFEAT OF A CLEARLY IDENTIFIED CANDIDATE OR
THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL AND (II) SUCH CANDIDATE, THE
CANDIDATE'S POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR ITS AGENTS, OR A POLITICAL COMMITTEE
FORMED TO PROMOTE THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL OR ITS
AGENTS, DID NOT AUTHORIZE, REQUEST, SUGGEST, FOSTER OR COOPERATE IN ANY
SUCH COMMUNICATION. INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES DO NOT INCLUDE: (I) A
COMMUNICATION APPEARING IN A WRITTEN NEWS STORY, COMMENTARY, OR EDITORI-
AL OR DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY BROADCASTING STATION,
CABLE OR SATELLITE UNLESS SUCH PUBLICATION OR FACILITIES ARE OWNED OR
CONTROLLED BY ANY POLITICAL PARTY, POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR CANDIDATE; OR
(II) A COMMUNICATION THAT CONSTITUTES A CANDIDATE DEBATE OR FORUM; OR
(III) A COMMUNICATION WHICH CONSTITUTES AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY AN ENTITY
REQUIRED TO REPORT SUCH EXPENDITURE WITH A BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
(B) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LIMITS ON CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS TO, OR
EXPENDITURES ON BEHALF OF, CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE, POLI-
TICAL COMMITTEES, PARTY COMMITTEES OR BALLOT REFERENDUM, BEFORE A CORPO-
RATION OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES MAY MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT
EXPENDITURE, THE CORPORATION SHALL, AT LEAST ANNUALLY, OBTAIN THE PRIOR
AUTHORIZATION BY VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE SHARES CAST ON SUCH RESOL-
UTION TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES UP TO A STATED
AGGREGATE ANNUAL AMOUNT.
(C) ANY CORPORATION, EITHER BY ITSELF OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES, MAKING A
CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE SHALL AT LEAST ANNUALLY DISCLOSE
TO ITS SHAREHOLDERS AND FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE AN ACCOUNTING
OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES USED FOR SUCH
PURPOSES, INCLUDING:
(1) THE DATE OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(2) THE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(3) THE IDENTITY OF THE RECIPIENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION, OR IF AN INDE-
PENDENT EXPENDITURE, THE IDENTITY OF THE CANDIDATE, REFERENDUM, POLI-
TICAL PARTY, PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION SUPPORTED OR OPPOSED; AND
(4) THE BUSINESS RATIONALE FOR EACH SUCH CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT
EXPENDITURE.
(D) THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHALL POST EACH CORPORATION'S ANNUAL
DISCLOSURE ON THE WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
(E) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY COMMENCE AN ACTION OR SPECIAL PROCEEDING
TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
S 3. The cooperative corporations law is amended by adding a new
section 78 to read as follows:
S 78. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS. 1. DEFINITIONS. WHEN USED IN THIS
SECTION:
(A) THE TERM "CONTRIBUTION" MEANS ANY GIFT, SUBSCRIPTION, OUTSTANDING
LOAN, ADVANCE, DEPOSIT OF MONEY OR ANY THING OF VALUE PROVIDED TO A
POLITICAL COMMITTEE, PARTY COMMITTEE, CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE OR DULY
CONSTITUTED SUBCOMMITTEE OF A COUNTY COMMITTEE, AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED IN ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THE ELECTION LAW, IN SUPPORT OR OPPO-
SITION TO A CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE, REFERENDUM, POLITICAL
PARTY, ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION OR ANY COMMUNICATION MADE TO THE
GENERAL PUBLIC INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTACT A GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL, CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE OR POLITICAL PARTY
S. 101 3
REGARDING PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION;
(B) THE TERM "INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE" MEANS AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY A
PERSON FOR AN AUDIO OR VIDEO COMMUNICATION TO A GENERAL PUBLIC AUDIENCE
VIA BROADCAST, CABLE OR SATELLITE OR A WRITTEN COMMUNICATION TO A GENER-
AL PUBLIC AUDIENCE VIA ADVERTISEMENTS, PAMPHLETS, CIRCULARS, FLYERS,
BROCHURES, LETTERHEADS OR OTHER PRINTED MATTER AND STATEMENTS OR INFOR-
MATION CONVEYED TO FIVE HUNDRED OR MORE MEMBERS OF A GENERAL PUBLIC
AUDIENCE BY COMPUTER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHICH: (I) EXPRESSLY
ADVOCATES THE ELECTION OR DEFEAT OF A CLEARLY IDENTIFIED CANDIDATE OR
THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL AND (II) SUCH CANDIDATE, THE
CANDIDATE'S POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR ITS AGENTS, OR A POLITICAL COMMITTEE
FORMED TO PROMOTE THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL OR ITS
AGENTS, DID NOT AUTHORIZE, REQUEST, SUGGEST, FOSTER OR COOPERATE IN ANY
SUCH COMMUNICATION. INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES DO NOT INCLUDE: (I) A
COMMUNICATION APPEARING IN A WRITTEN NEWS STORY, COMMENTARY, OR EDITORI-
AL OR DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY BROADCASTING STATION,
CABLE OR SATELLITE UNLESS SUCH PUBLICATION OR FACILITIES ARE OWNED OR
CONTROLLED BY ANY POLITICAL PARTY, POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR CANDIDATE; OR
(II) A COMMUNICATION THAT CONSTITUTES A CANDIDATE DEBATE OR FORUM; OR
(III) A COMMUNICATION WHICH CONSTITUTES AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY AN ENTITY
REQUIRED TO REPORT SUCH EXPENDITURE WITH A BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
2. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LIMITS ON COOPERATIVE CORPORATION
CONTRIBUTIONS TO OR EXPENDITURES ON BEHALF OF POLITICAL CANDIDATES,
POLITICAL COMMITTEES, PARTY COMMITTEES, OR BALLOT REFERENDUMS, BEFORE A
COOPERATIVE CORPORATION MAY MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDI-
TURE, THE COOPERATIVE CORPORATION SHALL AT LEAST ANNUALLY OBTAIN THE
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION BY VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE SHARES OR MEMBERS CAST
ON SUCH RESOLUTION TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES, UP
TO A STATED AGGREGATE ANNUAL AMOUNT.
3. ANY COOPERATIVE CORPORATION, EITHER BY ITSELF OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES,
MAKING A CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE SHALL, AT LEAST ANNUAL-
LY, DISCLOSE TO ITS SHAREHOLDERS AND FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE AN
ACCOUNTING OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES USED FOR
SUCH PURPOSES, INCLUDING:
(A) THE DATE OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(B) THE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(C) THE IDENTITY OF THE RECIPIENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION, OR IF AN INDE-
PENDENT EXPENDITURE, THE IDENTITY OF THE CANDIDATE, REFERENDUM, POLI-
TICAL PARTY, PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION SUPPORTED OR OPPOSED; AND
(D) THE BUSINESS RATIONALE FOR EACH SUCH CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT
EXPENDITURE.
4. THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHALL POST EACH COOPERATIVE CORPORATION'S
ANNUAL DISCLOSURE ON THE WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
5. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY COMMENCE AN ACTION OR SPECIAL PROCEEDING
TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
S 4. The not-for-profit corporation law is amended by adding a new
section 523 to read as follows:
S 523. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
(A) DEFINITIONS. WHEN USED IN THIS SECTION:
(1) THE TERM "CONTRIBUTION" MEANS ANY GIFT, SUBSCRIPTION, OUTSTANDING
LOAN, ADVANCE, DEPOSIT OF MONEY OR ANY THING OF VALUE PROVIDED TO A
POLITICAL COMMITTEE, PARTY COMMITTEE, CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE OR DULY
CONSTITUTED SUBCOMMITTEE OF A COUNTY COMMITTEE, AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED IN ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THE ELECTION LAW, IN SUPPORT OR OPPO-
S. 101 4
SITION TO A CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE, REFERENDUM, POLITICAL
PARTY, ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION OR ANY COMMUNICATION MADE TO THE
GENERAL PUBLIC INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTACT A GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL, CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE OR POLITICAL PARTY
REGARDING PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION;
(2) THE TERM "INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE" MEANS AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY A
PERSON FOR AN AUDIO OR VIDEO COMMUNICATION TO A GENERAL PUBLIC AUDIENCE
VIA BROADCAST, CABLE OR SATELLITE OR A WRITTEN COMMUNICATION TO A GENER-
AL PUBLIC AUDIENCE VIA ADVERTISEMENTS, PAMPHLETS, CIRCULARS, FLYERS,
BROCHURES, LETTERHEADS OR OTHER PRINTED MATTER AND STATEMENTS OR INFOR-
MATION CONVEYED TO FIVE HUNDRED OR MORE MEMBERS OF A GENERAL PUBLIC
AUDIENCE BY COMPUTER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHICH: (I) EXPRESSLY
ADVOCATES THE ELECTION OR DEFEAT OF A CLEARLY IDENTIFIED CANDIDATE OR
THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL AND (II) SUCH CANDIDATE, THE
CANDIDATE'S POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR ITS AGENTS, OR A POLITICAL COMMITTEE
FORMED TO PROMOTE THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL OR ITS
AGENTS, DID NOT AUTHORIZE, REQUEST, SUGGEST, FOSTER OR COOPERATE IN ANY
SUCH COMMUNICATION. INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES DO NOT INCLUDE: (I) A
COMMUNICATION APPEARING IN A WRITTEN NEWS STORY, COMMENTARY, OR EDITORI-
AL OR DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY BROADCASTING STATION,
CABLE OR SATELLITE UNLESS SUCH PUBLICATION OR FACILITIES ARE OWNED OR
CONTROLLED BY ANY POLITICAL PARTY, POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR CANDIDATE; OR
(II) A COMMUNICATION THAT CONSTITUTES A CANDIDATE DEBATE OR FORUM; OR
(III) A COMMUNICATION WHICH CONSTITUTES AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY AN ENTITY
REQUIRED TO REPORT SUCH EXPENDITURE WITH A BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
(B) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LIMITS ON NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION
CONTRIBUTIONS TO, OR EXPENDITURES ON BEHALF OF, CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OR
PARTY OFFICE, POLITICAL COMMITTEES, PARTY COMMITTEES OR BALLOT REFEREN-
DUM, BEFORE A NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES MAY
MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE, THE NOT-FOR-PROFIT
CORPORATION SHALL, AT LEAST ANNUALLY, OBTAIN THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION BY
VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS VOTING ON SUCH RESOLUTION TO MAKE
CONTRIBUTIONS OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES UP TO A STATED AGGREGATE ANNU-
AL AMOUNT.
(C) ANY NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION, EITHER BY ITSELF OR ITS SUBSID-
IARIES, MAKING A CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE SHALL AT LEAST
ANNUALLY DISCLOSE TO ITS MEMBERS AND FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE AN
ACCOUNTING OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES USED FOR
SUCH PURPOSES, INCLUDING:
(1) THE DATE OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(2) THE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(3) THE IDENTITY OF THE RECIPIENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION, OR IF AN INDE-
PENDENT EXPENDITURE, THE IDENTITY OF THE CANDIDATE, REFERENDUM, POLI-
TICAL PARTY, PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION SUPPORTED OR OPPOSED; AND
(4) THE BUSINESS RATIONALE FOR EACH SUCH CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT
EXPENDITURE.
(D) THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHALL POST EACH NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPO-
RATION'S ANNUAL DISCLOSURE ON THE WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY THE SECRETARY OF
STATE.
(E) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY COMMENCE AN ACTION OR SPECIAL PROCEEDING
TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
S 5. The railroad law is amended by adding a new section 35 to read as
follows:
S. 101 5
S 35. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS. 1. DEFINITIONS. WHEN USED IN THIS
SECTION:
(A) THE TERM "CONTRIBUTION" MEANS ANY GIFT, SUBSCRIPTION, OUTSTANDING
LOAN, ADVANCE, DEPOSIT OF MONEY OR ANY THING OF VALUE PROVIDED TO A
POLITICAL COMMITTEE, PARTY COMMITTEE, CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE OR DULY
CONSTITUTED SUBCOMMITTEE OF A COUNTY COMMITTEE, AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED IN ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THE ELECTION LAW, IN SUPPORT OR OPPO-
SITION TO A CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE, REFERENDUM, POLITICAL
PARTY, ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION OR ANY COMMUNICATION MADE TO THE
GENERAL PUBLIC INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTACT A GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL, CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE OR POLITICAL PARTY
REGARDING PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION;
(B) THE TERM "INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE" MEANS AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY A
PERSON FOR AN AUDIO OR VIDEO COMMUNICATION TO A GENERAL PUBLIC AUDIENCE
VIA BROADCAST, CABLE OR SATELLITE OR A WRITTEN COMMUNICATION TO A GENER-
AL PUBLIC AUDIENCE VIA ADVERTISEMENTS, PAMPHLETS, CIRCULARS, FLYERS,
BROCHURES, LETTERHEADS OR OTHER PRINTED MATTER AND STATEMENTS OR INFOR-
MATION CONVEYED TO FIVE HUNDRED OR MORE MEMBERS OF A GENERAL PUBLIC
AUDIENCE BY COMPUTER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHICH: (I) EXPRESSLY
ADVOCATES THE ELECTION OR DEFEAT OF A CLEARLY IDENTIFIED CANDIDATE OR
THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL AND (II) SUCH CANDIDATE, THE
CANDIDATE'S POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR ITS AGENTS, OR A POLITICAL COMMITTEE
FORMED TO PROMOTE THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL OR ITS
AGENTS, DID NOT AUTHORIZE, REQUEST, SUGGEST, FOSTER OR COOPERATE IN ANY
SUCH COMMUNICATION. INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES DO NOT INCLUDE: (I) A
COMMUNICATION APPEARING IN A WRITTEN NEWS STORY, COMMENTARY, OR EDITORI-
AL OR DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY BROADCASTING STATION,
CABLE OR SATELLITE UNLESS SUCH PUBLICATION OR FACILITIES ARE OWNED OR
CONTROLLED BY ANY POLITICAL PARTY, POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR CANDIDATE; OR
(II) A COMMUNICATION THAT CONSTITUTES A CANDIDATE DEBATE OR FORUM; OR
(III) A COMMUNICATION WHICH CONSTITUTES AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY AN ENTITY
REQUIRED TO REPORT SUCH EXPENDITURE WITH A BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
2. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LIMITS ON RAILROAD CORPORATION CONTRIB-
UTIONS TO OR EXPENDITURES ON BEHALF OF POLITICAL CANDIDATES, POLITICAL
COMMITTEES, PARTY COMMITTEES, OR BALLOT REFERENDUMS, BEFORE A RAILROAD
CORPORATION MAY MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE, THE
RAILROAD CORPORATION SHALL AT LEAST ANNUALLY OBTAIN THE PRIOR AUTHORI-
ZATION BY VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE SHARES OR MEMBERS CAST ON SUCH
RESOLUTION TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES, UP TO A
STATED AGGREGATE ANNUAL AMOUNT.
3. ANY RAILROAD CORPORATION, EITHER BY ITSELF OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES,
MAKING CONTRIBUTIONS OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES SHALL, AT LEAST ANNUAL-
LY, DISCLOSE TO ITS SHAREHOLDERS AND FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE AN
ACCOUNTING OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES USED FOR
SUCH PURPOSES, INCLUDING:
(A) THE DATE OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(B) THE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(C) THE IDENTITY OF THE RECIPIENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION, OR IF AN INDE-
PENDENT EXPENDITURE, THE IDENTITY OF THE CANDIDATE, REFERENDUM, POLI-
TICAL PARTY, PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION SUPPORTED OR OPPOSED; AND
(D) THE BUSINESS RATIONALE FOR EACH SUCH CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT
EXPENDITURE.
4. THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHALL POST EACH RAILROAD CORPORATION'S ANNU-
AL DISCLOSURE ON THE WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
S. 101 6
5. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY COMMENCE AN ACTION OR SPECIAL PROCEEDING
TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
S 6. The transportation corporations law is amended by adding a new
section 7 to read as follows:
S 7. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS. (A) DEFINITIONS. WHEN USED IN THIS
SECTION:
(1) THE TERM "CONTRIBUTION" MEANS ANY GIFT, SUBSCRIPTION, OUTSTANDING
LOAN, ADVANCE, DEPOSIT OF MONEY OR ANY THING OF VALUE PROVIDED TO A
POLITICAL COMMITTEE, PARTY COMMITTEE, CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE OR DULY
CONSTITUTED SUBCOMMITTEE OF A COUNTY COMMITTEE, AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED IN ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THE ELECTION LAW, IN SUPPORT OR OPPO-
SITION TO A CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE, REFERENDUM, POLITICAL
PARTY, ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION OR ANY COMMUNICATION MADE TO THE
GENERAL PUBLIC INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTACT A GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL, CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE OR POLITICAL PARTY
REGARDING PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION;
(2) THE TERM "INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE" MEANS AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY A
PERSON FOR AN AUDIO OR VIDEO COMMUNICATION TO A GENERAL PUBLIC AUDIENCE
VIA BROADCAST, CABLE OR SATELLITE OR A WRITTEN COMMUNICATION TO A GENER-
AL PUBLIC AUDIENCE VIA ADVERTISEMENTS, PAMPHLETS, CIRCULARS, FLYERS,
BROCHURES, LETTERHEADS OR OTHER PRINTED MATTER AND STATEMENTS OR INFOR-
MATION CONVEYED TO FIVE HUNDRED OR MORE MEMBERS OF A GENERAL PUBLIC
AUDIENCE BY COMPUTER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHICH: (I) EXPRESSLY
ADVOCATES THE ELECTION OR DEFEAT OF A CLEARLY IDENTIFIED CANDIDATE OR
THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL AND (II) SUCH CANDIDATE, THE
CANDIDATE'S POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR ITS AGENTS, OR A POLITICAL COMMITTEE
FORMED TO PROMOTE THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL OR ITS
AGENTS, DID NOT AUTHORIZE, REQUEST, SUGGEST, FOSTER OR COOPERATE IN ANY
SUCH COMMUNICATION. INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES DO NOT INCLUDE: (I) A
COMMUNICATION APPEARING IN A WRITTEN NEWS STORY, COMMENTARY, OR EDITORI-
AL OR DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY BROADCASTING STATION,
CABLE OR SATELLITE UNLESS SUCH PUBLICATION OR FACILITIES ARE OWNED OR
CONTROLLED BY ANY POLITICAL PARTY, POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR CANDIDATE; OR
(II) A COMMUNICATION THAT CONSTITUTES A CANDIDATE DEBATE OR FORUM; OR
(III) A COMMUNICATION WHICH CONSTITUTES AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY AN ENTITY
REQUIRED TO REPORT SUCH EXPENDITURE WITH A BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
(B) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LIMITS ON TRANSPORTATION CORPORATION
CONTRIBUTIONS TO, OR EXPENDITURES ON BEHALF OF, CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OR
PARTY OFFICE, POLITICAL COMMITTEES, PARTY COMMITTEES OR BALLOT REFEREN-
DUM, BEFORE A TRANSPORTATION CORPORATION OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES MAY
MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE, THE TRANSPORTATION
CORPORATION SHALL, AT LEAST ANNUALLY, OBTAIN THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION BY
VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE SHARES CAST ON SUCH RESOLUTION TO MAKE
CONTRIBUTIONS OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES UP TO A STATED AGGREGATE ANNU-
AL AMOUNT.
(C) ANY TRANSPORTATION CORPORATION, EITHER BY ITSELF OR ITS SUBSID-
IARIES, MAKING CONTRIBUTIONS OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES SHALL AT LEAST
ANNUALLY DISCLOSE TO ITS SHAREHOLDERS AND FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF
STATE AN ACCOUNTING OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES
USED FOR SUCH PURPOSES, INCLUDING:
(1) THE DATE OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(2) THE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(3) THE IDENTITY OF THE RECIPIENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION, OR IF AN INDE-
PENDENT EXPENDITURE, THE IDENTITY OF THE CANDIDATE, REFERENDUM, POLI-
S. 101 7
TICAL PARTY, PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION SUPPORTED OR OPPOSED; AND
(4) THE BUSINESS RATIONALE FOR EACH SUCH CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT
EXPENDITURE.
(D) THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHALL POST EACH TRANSPORTATION CORPO-
RATION'S ANNUAL DISCLOSURE ON THE WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY THE SECRETARY OF
STATE.
(E) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY COMMENCE AN ACTION OR SPECIAL PROCEEDING
TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
S 7. The banking law is amended by adding a new section 5017 to read
as follows:
S 5017. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS. 1. DEFINITIONS. WHEN USED IN THIS
SECTION:
(A) THE TERM "CONTRIBUTION" MEANS ANY GIFT, SUBSCRIPTION, OUTSTANDING
LOAN, ADVANCE, DEPOSIT OF MONEY OR ANY THING OF VALUE PROVIDED TO A
POLITICAL COMMITTEE, PARTY COMMITTEE, CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE OR DULY
CONSTITUTED SUBCOMMITTEE OF A COUNTY COMMITTEE, AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED IN ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THE ELECTION LAW, IN SUPPORT OR OPPO-
SITION TO A CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE, REFERENDUM, POLITICAL
PARTY, ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION OR ANY COMMUNICATION MADE TO THE
GENERAL PUBLIC INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTACT A GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL, CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE OR POLITICAL PARTY
REGARDING PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION;
(B) THE TERM "INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE" MEANS AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY A
PERSON FOR AN AUDIO OR VIDEO COMMUNICATION TO A GENERAL PUBLIC AUDIENCE
VIA BROADCAST, CABLE OR SATELLITE OR A WRITTEN COMMUNICATION TO A GENER-
AL PUBLIC AUDIENCE VIA ADVERTISEMENTS, PAMPHLETS, CIRCULARS, FLYERS,
BROCHURES, LETTERHEADS OR OTHER PRINTED MATTER AND STATEMENTS OR INFOR-
MATION CONVEYED TO FIVE HUNDRED OR MORE MEMBERS OF A GENERAL PUBLIC
AUDIENCE BY COMPUTER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHICH: (I) EXPRESSLY
ADVOCATES THE ELECTION OR DEFEAT OF A CLEARLY IDENTIFIED CANDIDATE OR
THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL AND (II) SUCH CANDIDATE, THE
CANDIDATE'S POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR ITS AGENTS, OR A POLITICAL COMMITTEE
FORMED TO PROMOTE THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL OR ITS
AGENTS, DID NOT AUTHORIZE, REQUEST, SUGGEST, FOSTER OR COOPERATE IN ANY
SUCH COMMUNICATION. INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES DO NOT INCLUDE: (I) A
COMMUNICATION APPEARING IN A WRITTEN NEWS STORY, COMMENTARY, OR EDITORI-
AL OR DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY BROADCASTING STATION,
CABLE OR SATELLITE UNLESS SUCH PUBLICATION OR FACILITIES ARE OWNED OR
CONTROLLED BY ANY POLITICAL PARTY, POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR CANDIDATE; OR
(II) A COMMUNICATION THAT CONSTITUTES A CANDIDATE DEBATE OR FORUM; OR
(III) A COMMUNICATION WHICH CONSTITUTES AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY AN ENTITY
REQUIRED TO REPORT SUCH EXPENDITURE WITH A BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
2. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LIMITS ON CORPORATION CONTRIBUTIONS TO OR
EXPENDITURES ON BEHALF OF POLITICAL CANDIDATES, POLITICAL COMMITTEES,
PARTY COMMITTEES, OR BALLOT REFERENDUMS, BEFORE A CORPORATION MAY MAKE A
CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE, THE CORPORATION SHALL AT LEAST
ANNUALLY OBTAIN THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION BY VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE
SHARES OR MEMBERS CAST ON SUCH RESOLUTION TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS OR INDE-
PENDENT EXPENDITURES, UP TO A STATED AGGREGATE ANNUAL AMOUNT.
3. ANY CORPORATION, EITHER BY ITSELF OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES, MAKING A
CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE SHALL, AT LEAST ANNUALLY,
DISCLOSE TO ITS SHAREHOLDERS AND FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE AN
ACCOUNTING OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES USED FOR
SUCH PURPOSES, INCLUDING:
S. 101 8
(A) THE DATE OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(B) THE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(C) THE IDENTITY OF THE RECIPIENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION, OR IF AN INDE-
PENDENT EXPENDITURE, THE IDENTITY OF THE CANDIDATE, REFERENDUM, POLI-
TICAL PARTY, PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION SUPPORTED OR OPPOSED; AND
(D) THE BUSINESS RATIONALE FOR EACH SUCH CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT
EXPENDITURE.
4. THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHALL POST EACH CORPORATION'S ANNUAL DISCLO-
SURE ON THE WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
5. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY COMMENCE AN ACTION OR SPECIAL PROCEEDING
TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
S 8. The business corporation law is amended by adding a new section
1321 to read as follows:
S 1321. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
(A) DEFINITIONS. WHEN USED IN THIS SECTION:
(1) THE TERM "CONTRIBUTION" MEANS ANY GIFT, SUBSCRIPTION, OUTSTANDING
LOAN, ADVANCE, DEPOSIT OF MONEY OR ANY THING OF VALUE PROVIDED TO A
POLITICAL COMMITTEE, PARTY COMMITTEE, CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE OR DULY
CONSTITUTED SUBCOMMITTEE OF A COUNTY COMMITTEE, AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED IN ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THE ELECTION LAW, IN SUPPORT OR OPPO-
SITION TO A CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE, REFERENDUM, POLITICAL
PARTY, ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION OR ANY COMMUNICATION MADE TO THE
GENERAL PUBLIC INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTACT A GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL, CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE OR POLITICAL PARTY
REGARDING PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION;
(2) THE TERM "INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE" MEANS AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY A
PERSON FOR AN AUDIO OR VIDEO COMMUNICATION TO A GENERAL PUBLIC AUDIENCE
VIA BROADCAST, CABLE OR SATELLITE OR A WRITTEN COMMUNICATION TO A GENER-
AL PUBLIC AUDIENCE VIA ADVERTISEMENTS, PAMPHLETS, CIRCULARS, FLYERS,
BROCHURES, LETTERHEADS OR OTHER PRINTED MATTER AND STATEMENTS OR INFOR-
MATION CONVEYED TO FIVE HUNDRED OR MORE MEMBERS OF A GENERAL PUBLIC
AUDIENCE BY COMPUTER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHICH: (I) EXPRESSLY
ADVOCATES THE ELECTION OR DEFEAT OF A CLEARLY IDENTIFIED CANDIDATE OR
THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL AND (II) SUCH CANDIDATE, THE
CANDIDATE'S POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR ITS AGENTS, OR A POLITICAL COMMITTEE
FORMED TO PROMOTE THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL OR ITS
AGENTS, DID NOT AUTHORIZE, REQUEST, SUGGEST, FOSTER OR COOPERATE IN ANY
SUCH COMMUNICATION. INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES DO NOT INCLUDE: (I) A
COMMUNICATION APPEARING IN A WRITTEN NEWS STORY, COMMENTARY, OR EDITORI-
AL OR DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY BROADCASTING STATION,
CABLE OR SATELLITE UNLESS SUCH PUBLICATION OR FACILITIES ARE OWNED OR
CONTROLLED BY ANY POLITICAL PARTY, POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR CANDIDATE; OR
(II) A COMMUNICATION THAT CONSTITUTES A CANDIDATE DEBATE OR FORUM; OR
(III) A COMMUNICATION WHICH CONSTITUTES AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY AN ENTITY
REQUIRED TO REPORT SUCH EXPENDITURE WITH A BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
(B) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LIMITS ON CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS TO, OR
EXPENDITURES ON BEHALF OF, CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE, POLI-
TICAL COMMITTEES, PARTY COMMITTEES OR BALLOT REFERENDUM, BEFORE A
FOREIGN CORPORATION DOING BUSINESS IN THE STATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION THIRTEEN HUNDRED ONE OF THIS ARTICLE MAY MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OR
INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE IN NEW YORK, THE FOREIGN CORPORATION SHALL, AT
LEAST ANNUALLY, OBTAIN THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION BY VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF
THE SHARES CAST ON SUCH RESOLUTION TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS OR INDEPENDENT
EXPENDITURES UP TO A STATED AGGREGATE ANNUAL AMOUNT.
S. 101 9
(C) ANY FOREIGN CORPORATION, EITHER BY ITSELF OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES,
MAKING A CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE IN NEW YORK SHALL AT
LEAST ANNUALLY DISCLOSE TO ITS SHAREHOLDERS AND FILE WITH THE SECRETARY
OF STATE AN ACCOUNTING OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES
USED FOR SUCH PURPOSES, INCLUDING:
(1) THE DATE OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(2) THE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(3) THE IDENTITY OF THE RECIPIENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION, OR IF AN INDE-
PENDENT EXPENDITURE, THE IDENTITY OF THE CANDIDATE, REFERENDUM, POLI-
TICAL PARTY, PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION SUPPORTED OR OPPOSED; AND
(4) THE BUSINESS RATIONALE FOR EACH SUCH CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT
EXPENDITURE.
(D) THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHALL POST EACH FOREIGN CORPORATION'S ANNU-
AL DISCLOSURE ON THE WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
(E) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY COMMENCE AN ACTION OR SPECIAL PROCEEDING
TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
S 9. The limited liability company law is amended by adding a new
section 510 to read as follows:
S 510. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS. (A) DEFINITIONS. WHEN USED IN THIS
SECTION:
(1) THE TERM "CONTRIBUTION" MEANS ANY GIFT, SUBSCRIPTION, OUTSTANDING
LOAN, ADVANCE, DEPOSIT OF MONEY OR ANY THING OF VALUE PROVIDED TO A
POLITICAL COMMITTEE, PARTY COMMITTEE, CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE OR DULY
CONSTITUTED SUBCOMMITTEE OF A COUNTY COMMITTEE, AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED IN ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THE ELECTION LAW, IN SUPPORT OR OPPO-
SITION TO A CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE, REFERENDUM, POLITICAL
PARTY, ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION OR ANY COMMUNICATION MADE TO THE
GENERAL PUBLIC INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTACT A GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL, CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE OR POLITICAL PARTY
REGARDING PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION;
(2) THE TERM "INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE" MEANS AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY A
PERSON FOR AN AUDIO OR VIDEO COMMUNICATION TO A GENERAL PUBLIC AUDIENCE
VIA BROADCAST, CABLE OR SATELLITE OR A WRITTEN COMMUNICATION TO A GENER-
AL PUBLIC AUDIENCE VIA ADVERTISEMENTS, PAMPHLETS, CIRCULARS, FLYERS,
BROCHURES, LETTERHEADS OR OTHER PRINTED MATTER AND STATEMENTS OR INFOR-
MATION CONVEYED TO FIVE HUNDRED OR MORE MEMBERS OF A GENERAL PUBLIC
AUDIENCE BY COMPUTER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHICH: (I) EXPRESSLY
ADVOCATES THE ELECTION OR DEFEAT OF A CLEARLY IDENTIFIED CANDIDATE OR
THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL AND (II) SUCH CANDIDATE, THE
CANDIDATE'S POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR ITS AGENTS, OR A POLITICAL COMMITTEE
FORMED TO PROMOTE THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL OR ITS
AGENTS, DID NOT AUTHORIZE, REQUEST, SUGGEST, FOSTER OR COOPERATE IN ANY
SUCH COMMUNICATION. INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES DO NOT INCLUDE: (I) A
COMMUNICATION APPEARING IN A WRITTEN NEWS STORY, COMMENTARY, OR EDITORI-
AL OR DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY BROADCASTING STATION,
CABLE OR SATELLITE UNLESS SUCH PUBLICATION OR FACILITIES ARE OWNED OR
CONTROLLED BY ANY POLITICAL PARTY, POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR CANDIDATE; OR
(II) A COMMUNICATION THAT CONSTITUTES A CANDIDATE DEBATE OR FORUM; OR
(III) A COMMUNICATION WHICH CONSTITUTES AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY AN ENTITY
REQUIRED TO REPORT SUCH EXPENDITURE WITH A BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
(B) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LIMITS ON CONTRIBUTIONS TO, OR EXPENDI-
TURES ON BEHALF OF, CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE, POLITICAL
COMMITTEES, PARTY COMMITTEES OR BALLOT REFERENDUM, BEFORE A LIMITED
LIABILITY COMPANY MAY MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE,
S. 101 10
THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY SHALL, AT LEAST ANNUALLY, OBTAIN THE PRIOR
AUTHORIZATION BY VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OR MANAGERS CAST ON
SUCH RESOLUTION TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES UP TO
A STATED AGGREGATE ANNUAL AMOUNT.
(C) ANY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, EITHER BY ITSELF OR ITS SUBSID-
IARIES, MAKING A CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE SHALL AT LEAST
ANNUALLY DISCLOSE TO ITS MEMBERS OR MANAGERS AND FILE WITH THE SECRETARY
OF STATE AN ACCOUNTING OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES
USED FOR SUCH PURPOSES, INCLUDING:
(1) THE DATE OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(2) THE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(3) THE IDENTITY OF THE RECIPIENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION, OR IF AN INDE-
PENDENT EXPENDITURE, THE IDENTITY OF THE CANDIDATE, REFERENDUM, POLI-
TICAL PARTY, PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION SUPPORTED OR OPPOSED; AND
(4) THE BUSINESS RATIONALE FOR EACH SUCH CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT
EXPENDITURE.
(D) THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHALL POST EACH LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY'S
ANNUAL DISCLOSURE ON THE WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
(E) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY COMMENCE AN ACTION OR SPECIAL PROCEEDING
TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
S 10. The business corporation law is amended by adding a new section
1517 to read as follows:
S 1517. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
(A) DEFINITIONS. WHEN USED IN THIS SECTION:
(1) THE TERM "CONTRIBUTION" MEANS ANY GIFT, SUBSCRIPTION, OUTSTANDING
LOAN, ADVANCE, DEPOSIT OF MONEY OR ANY THING OF VALUE PROVIDED TO A
POLITICAL COMMITTEE, PARTY COMMITTEE, CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE OR DULY
CONSTITUTED SUBCOMMITTEE OF A COUNTY COMMITTEE, AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED IN ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THE ELECTION LAW, IN SUPPORT OR OPPO-
SITION TO A CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE, REFERENDUM, POLITICAL
PARTY, ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION OR ANY COMMUNICATION MADE TO THE
GENERAL PUBLIC INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTACT A GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL, CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE OR POLITICAL PARTY
REGARDING PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION;
(2) THE TERM "INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE" MEANS AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY A
PERSON FOR AN AUDIO OR VIDEO COMMUNICATION TO A GENERAL PUBLIC AUDIENCE
VIA BROADCAST, CABLE OR SATELLITE OR A WRITTEN COMMUNICATION TO A GENER-
AL PUBLIC AUDIENCE VIA ADVERTISEMENTS, PAMPHLETS, CIRCULARS, FLYERS,
BROCHURES, LETTERHEADS OR OTHER PRINTED MATTER AND STATEMENTS OR INFOR-
MATION CONVEYED TO FIVE HUNDRED OR MORE MEMBERS OF A GENERAL PUBLIC
AUDIENCE BY COMPUTER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHICH: (I) EXPRESSLY
ADVOCATES THE ELECTION OR DEFEAT OF A CLEARLY IDENTIFIED CANDIDATE OR
THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL AND (II) SUCH CANDIDATE, THE
CANDIDATE'S POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR ITS AGENTS, OR A POLITICAL COMMITTEE
FORMED TO PROMOTE THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL OR ITS
AGENTS, DID NOT AUTHORIZE, REQUEST, SUGGEST, FOSTER OR COOPERATE IN ANY
SUCH COMMUNICATION. INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES DO NOT INCLUDE: (I) A
COMMUNICATION APPEARING IN A WRITTEN NEWS STORY, COMMENTARY, OR EDITORI-
AL OR DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY BROADCASTING STATION,
CABLE OR SATELLITE UNLESS SUCH PUBLICATION OR FACILITIES ARE OWNED OR
CONTROLLED BY ANY POLITICAL PARTY, POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR CANDIDATE; OR
(II) A COMMUNICATION THAT CONSTITUTES A CANDIDATE DEBATE OR FORUM; OR
(III) A COMMUNICATION WHICH CONSTITUTES AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY AN ENTITY
REQUIRED TO REPORT SUCH EXPENDITURE WITH A BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
S. 101 11
(B) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LIMITS ON PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CORPO-
RATION CONTRIBUTIONS TO, OR EXPENDITURES ON BEHALF OF, CANDIDATES FOR
PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE, POLITICAL COMMITTEES, PARTY COMMITTEES OR BALLOT
REFERENDUM, BEFORE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CORPORATION MAY MAKE A
CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE, THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CORPO-
RATION SHALL, AT LEAST ANNUALLY, OBTAIN THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION BY VOTE
OF A MAJORITY OF THE SHARES CAST ON SUCH RESOLUTION TO MAKE CONTRIB-
UTIONS OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES UP TO A STATED AGGREGATE ANNUAL
AMOUNT.
(C) ANY PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CORPORATION, EITHER BY ITSELF OR ITS
SUBSIDIARIES, MAKING A CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE SHALL AT
LEAST ANNUALLY DISCLOSE TO ITS SHAREHOLDERS AND FILE WITH THE SECRETARY
OF STATE AN ACCOUNTING OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES
USED FOR SUCH PURPOSES, INCLUDING:
(1) THE DATE OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(2) THE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(3) THE IDENTITY OF THE RECIPIENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION, OR IF AN INDE-
PENDENT EXPENDITURE, THE IDENTITY OF THE CANDIDATE, REFERENDUM, POLI-
TICAL PARTY, PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION SUPPORTED OR OPPOSED; AND
(4) THE BUSINESS RATIONALE FOR EACH SUCH CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT
EXPENDITURE.
(D) THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHALL POST EACH PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CORPO-
RATION'S ANNUAL DISCLOSURE ON THE WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY THE SECRETARY OF
STATE.
(E) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY COMMENCE AN ACTION OR SPECIAL PROCEEDING
TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
S 11. The business corporation law is amended by adding a new section
1534 to read as follows:
S 1534. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
(A) DEFINITIONS. WHEN USED IN THIS SECTION:
(1) THE TERM "CONTRIBUTION" MEANS ANY GIFT, SUBSCRIPTION, OUTSTANDING
LOAN, ADVANCE, DEPOSIT OF MONEY OR ANY THING OF VALUE PROVIDED TO A
POLITICAL COMMITTEE, PARTY COMMITTEE, CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE OR DULY
CONSTITUTED SUBCOMMITTEE OF A COUNTY COMMITTEE, AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED IN ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THE ELECTION LAW, IN SUPPORT OR OPPO-
SITION TO A CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE, REFERENDUM, POLITICAL
PARTY, ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION OR ANY COMMUNICATION MADE TO THE
GENERAL PUBLIC INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTACT A GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL, CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE OR POLITICAL PARTY
REGARDING PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION;
(2) THE TERM "INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE" MEANS AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY A
PERSON FOR AN AUDIO OR VIDEO COMMUNICATION TO A GENERAL PUBLIC AUDIENCE
VIA BROADCAST, CABLE OR SATELLITE OR A WRITTEN COMMUNICATION TO A GENER-
AL PUBLIC AUDIENCE VIA ADVERTISEMENTS, PAMPHLETS, CIRCULARS, FLYERS,
BROCHURES, LETTERHEADS OR OTHER PRINTED MATTER AND STATEMENTS OR INFOR-
MATION CONVEYED TO FIVE HUNDRED OR MORE MEMBERS OF A GENERAL PUBLIC
AUDIENCE BY COMPUTER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHICH: (I) EXPRESSLY
ADVOCATES THE ELECTION OR DEFEAT OF A CLEARLY IDENTIFIED CANDIDATE OR
THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL AND (II) SUCH CANDIDATE, THE
CANDIDATE'S POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR ITS AGENTS, OR A POLITICAL COMMITTEE
FORMED TO PROMOTE THE SUCCESS OR DEFEAT OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL OR ITS
AGENTS, DID NOT AUTHORIZE, REQUEST, SUGGEST, FOSTER OR COOPERATE IN ANY
SUCH COMMUNICATION. INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES DO NOT INCLUDE: (I) A
COMMUNICATION APPEARING IN A WRITTEN NEWS STORY, COMMENTARY, OR EDITORI-
S. 101 12
AL OR DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY BROADCASTING STATION,
CABLE OR SATELLITE UNLESS SUCH PUBLICATION OR FACILITIES ARE OWNED OR
CONTROLLED BY ANY POLITICAL PARTY, POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR CANDIDATE; OR
(II) A COMMUNICATION THAT CONSTITUTES A CANDIDATE DEBATE OR FORUM; OR
(III) A COMMUNICATION WHICH CONSTITUTES AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY AN ENTITY
REQUIRED TO REPORT SUCH EXPENDITURE WITH A BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
(B) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LIMITS ON FOREIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
CORPORATION CONTRIBUTIONS TO, OR EXPENDITURES ON BEHALF OF, CANDIDATES
FOR PUBLIC OR PARTY OFFICE, POLITICAL COMMITTEES, PARTY COMMITTEES OR
BALLOT REFERENDUM, BEFORE A FOREIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CORPORATION, AS
DEFINED BY SUBDIVISION (D) OF SECTION FIFTEEN HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE OF
THIS ARTICLE, MAY MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE IN NEW
YORK, THE FOREIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CORPORATION SHALL, AT LEAST ANNU-
ALLY, OBTAIN THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION BY VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE SHARES
CAST ON SUCH RESOLUTION TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDI-
TURES UP TO A STATED AGGREGATE ANNUAL AMOUNT.
(C) ANY FOREIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CORPORATION, EITHER BY ITSELF OR
ITS SUBSIDIARIES, MAKING A CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE IN
NEW YORK SHALL AT LEAST ANNUALLY DISCLOSE TO ITS SHAREHOLDERS AND FILE
WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE AN ACCOUNTING OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND INDE-
PENDENT EXPENDITURES USED FOR SUCH PURPOSES, INCLUDING:
(1) THE DATE OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(2) THE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE;
(3) THE IDENTITY OF THE RECIPIENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION, OR IF AN INDE-
PENDENT EXPENDITURE, THE IDENTITY OF THE CANDIDATE, REFERENDUM, POLI-
TICAL PARTY, PENDING LEGISLATION, PUBLIC POLICY OR A GOVERNMENT RULE OR
REGULATION SUPPORTED OR OPPOSED; AND
(4) THE BUSINESS RATIONALE FOR EACH SUCH CONTRIBUTION OR INDEPENDENT
EXPENDITURE.
(D) THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHALL POST EACH FOREIGN PROFESSIONAL
SERVICE CORPORATION'S ANNUAL DISCLOSURE ON THE WEB SITE MAINTAINED BY
THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
(E) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY COMMENCE AN ACTION OR SPECIAL PROCEEDING
TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
S 12. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section or
part of this act shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdic-
tion to be invalid and after exhaustion of all further judicial review,
the judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder there-
of, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence,
paragraph, section or part of this act directly involved in the contro-
versy in which the judgment shall have been rendered.
S 13. This act shall take effect on the first of August next succeed-
ing the date on which it shall have become a law.
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