S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                  6773

                            I N  S E N A T E

                              March 7, 2014
                               ___________

Introduced  by COMMITTEE ON RULES -- read twice and ordered printed, and
  when printed to be committed to the Committee on Rules

AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to campaign  receipts  and
  expenditures;  to  amend the election law, in relation to contribution
  and receipt limitations; to amend the election  law,  in  relation  to
  public  financing;  to amend the state finance law, in relation to the
  New York state campaign finance fund; and to amend  the  tax  law,  in
  relation to the New York state campaign finance fund check-off

  THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section 1. The article heading of article 14 of the  election  law  is
amended to read as follows:
  [Campaign  Receipts  and  Expenditures] CAMPAIGN RECEIPTS AND EXPENDI-
TURES; PUBLIC FINANCING
  S 2. Sections 14-100 through 14-130 of article 14 of the election  law
are  designated  title  I  and  a  new title heading is added to read as
follows:
                   CAMPAIGN RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
  S 3. Section 14-100 of the election law is amended  by  adding  a  new
subdivision 16 to read as follows:
  16. "AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE" MEANS THE SINGLE POLITICAL COMMITTEE DESIG-
NATED  BY  A  CANDIDATE  TO RECEIVE ALL CONTRIBUTIONS AUTHORIZED BY THIS
TITLE.
  S 3-a. Section 3-104 of the election law is amended by  adding  a  new
subdivision 6 to read as follows:
  6.  THERE SHALL BE A UNIT KNOWN AS THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS PUBLIC
FINANCING UNIT ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE STATE BOARD  OF  ELECTIONS,  WHICH
SHALL  BE  RESPONSIBLE  FOR  ADMINISTERING  AND,  WITH  THE  DIVISION OF
ELECTION LAW ENFORCEMENT,  ENFORCING  THE  REQUIREMENTS  OF  THE  PUBLIC
FINANCING  SYSTEM  SET  FORTH  IN  TITLE TWO OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THIS
CHAPTER.
  S 3-b. Subdivision 2 of section 14-108 of the election law, as amended
by chapter 109 of the laws of 1997, is amended to read as follows:

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD14373-01-4
              

S. 6773                             2

  2. Each statement shall cover the  period  up  to  and  including  the
fourth  day  next  preceding  the day specified for the filing thereof[;
provided, however, that]. THE RECEIPT OF ANY  CONTRIBUTION  OR  LOAN  IN
EXCESS  OF  ONE  THOUSAND  DOLLARS SHALL BE DISCLOSED WITHIN FORTY-EIGHT
HOURS  OF RECEIPT, AND SHALL BE REPORTED IN THE SAME MANNER AS ANY OTHER
CONTRIBUTION OR LOAN ON THE  NEXT  APPLICABLE  STATEMENT.  HOWEVER,  any
contribution  or  loan  in  excess  of one thousand dollars, if received
after the close of the period to be covered in the last statement  filed
before  any  primary,  general  or  special  election  but  before  such
election, shall be reported, in the same manner as other  contributions,
within twenty-four hours after receipt.
  S  4.  Subdivisions  1  and  10 of section 14-114 of the election law,
subdivision 1 as amended and subdivision 10 as added by  chapter  79  of
the  laws  of 1992 and paragraphs a and b of subdivision 1 as amended by
chapter 659 of the laws of 1994, are amended to read as follows:
  1. The following limitations apply to all contributions to  candidates
for election to any public office or for nomination for any such office,
or  for  election  to  any  party positions, and to all contributions to
political committees working directly or indirectly with  any  candidate
to  aid or participate in such candidate's nomination or election, other
than any contributions to any party committee or constituted committee:
  a. In any election for a public office to be voted on by the voters of
the entire state, or for nomination to any such office,  no  contributor
may  make a contribution to any candidate or political committee PARTIC-
IPATING IN THE STATE'S PUBLIC CAMPAIGN FINANCING SYSTEM  AS  DEFINED  IN
TITLE  TWO OF THIS ARTICLE, and no SUCH candidate or political committee
may accept any contribution from any contributor, which is in the aggre-
gate amount greater than:  (i) in the case of any nomination  to  public
office, the product of the total number of enrolled voters in the candi-
date's  party  in the state, excluding voters in inactive status, multi-
plied by $.005, but such amount shall be not [less  than  four  thousand
dollars  nor]  more  than [twelve] SIX thousand dollars [as increased or
decreased by the cost of living adjustment described in paragraph  c  of
this  subdivision,]  and  (ii)  in  the case of any election to [a] SUCH
public office, [twenty-five]  SIX  thousand  dollars  [as  increased  or
decreased  by  the cost of living adjustment described in paragraph c of
this subdivision]; provided however, that the maximum amount  which  may
be  so  contributed  or accepted, in the aggregate, from any candidate's
child, parent, grandparent, brother and sister, and the  spouse  of  any
such  persons,  shall not exceed in the case of any nomination to public
office an amount equivalent to the product of  the  number  of  enrolled
voters  in the candidate's party in the state, excluding voters in inac-
tive status, multiplied by $.025, and in the case of any election for  a
public  office,  an  amount  equivalent  to the product of the number of
registered voters in the state  excluding  voters  in  inactive  status,
multiplied by $.025.
  b.  In  any  other  election  for  party position or for election to a
public office or for nomination for any such office, no contributor  may
make  a contribution to any candidate or political committee PARTICIPAT-
ING IN THE STATE'S PUBLIC CAMPAIGN FINANCING SYSTEM DEFINED IN TITLE TWO
OF THIS ARTICLE (FOR THOSE OFFICES OR POSITIONS COVERED BY THAT  SYSTEM)
and no SUCH candidate or political committee may accept any contribution
from any contributor, which is in the aggregate amount greater than: (i)
in  the  case  of  any election for party position, or for nomination to
public office, the product of the total number of enrolled voters in the
candidate's party in the district in which he is a candidate,  excluding

S. 6773                             3

voters  in  inactive status, multiplied by $.05, and (ii) in the case of
any election for a public office, the product of  the  total  number  of
registered  voters in the district, excluding voters in inactive status,
multiplied  by $.05, however in the case of a nomination within the city
of New York for the office of mayor,  public  advocate  or  comptroller,
such  amount  shall be not less than four thousand dollars nor more than
twelve thousand dollars as increased or decreased by the cost of  living
adjustment described in paragraph [c] E of this subdivision; in the case
of  an  election  within  the  city of New York for the office of mayor,
public  advocate  or  comptroller,  twenty-five  thousand   dollars   as
increased  or  decreased  by  the cost of living adjustment described in
paragraph [c] E of this subdivision; in the  case  of  a  nomination  OR
ELECTION  for  state  senator,  four  thousand  dollars [as increased or
decreased by the cost of living adjustment described in paragraph  c  of
this  subdivision;  in  the  case  of an election for state senator, six
thousand two hundred fifty dollars as increased or decreased by the cost
of living adjustment described in paragraph c of this  subdivision];  in
the  case  of  an  election  or nomination for a member of the assembly,
[twenty-five hundred] TWO THOUSAND dollars [as increased or decreased by
the cost of living adjustment described in paragraph c of this  subdivi-
sion;  but  in  no  event  shall  any such maximum exceed fifty thousand
dollars or be less than one thousand dollars];  provided  however,  that
the  maximum  amount  which  may  be  so contributed or accepted, in the
aggregate, from any candidate's child, parent, grandparent, brother  and
sister, and the spouse of any such persons, shall not exceed in the case
of  any  election  for party position or nomination for public office an
amount equivalent to the number of enrolled voters  in  the  candidate's
party  in  the  district in which he is a candidate, excluding voters in
inactive status, multiplied by $.25 and in the case of any  election  to
public  office,  an amount equivalent to the number of registered voters
in the district, excluding voters  in  inactive  status,  multiplied  by
$.25;  or  twelve hundred fifty dollars, whichever is greater, or in the
case of a nomination or election of a  state  senator,  twenty  thousand
dollars,  whichever  is  greater,  or  in  the  case  of a nomination or
election of a member  of  the  assembly  twelve  thousand  five  hundred
dollars,  whichever  is  greater, but in no event shall any such maximum
exceed one hundred thousand dollars.
  C.  IN ANY ELECTION FOR A PUBLIC OFFICE TO BE VOTED ON BY  THE  VOTERS
OF  THE ENTIRE STATE, OR FOR NOMINATION TO ANY SUCH OFFICE, NO CONTRIBU-
TOR MAY MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO ANY CANDIDATE OR POLITICAL  COMMITTEE  IN
CONNECTION  WITH  A  CANDIDATE  WHO  IS NOT A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE AS
DEFINED IN SUBDIVISION FOURTEEN OF SECTION 14-200-A OF THIS ARTICLE, AND
NO SUCH CANDIDATE OR POLITICAL COMMITTEE  MAY  ACCEPT  ANY  CONTRIBUTION
FROM  ANY  CONTRIBUTOR,  WHICH  IS IN THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT GREATER THAN:
(I) IN THE CASE OF ANY NOMINATION TO PUBLIC OFFICE, THE PRODUCT  OF  THE
TOTAL  NUMBER  OF ENROLLED VOTERS IN THE CANDIDATE'S PARTY IN THE STATE,
EXCLUDING VOTERS IN INACTIVE  STATUS,  MULTIPLIED  BY  $.005,  BUT  SUCH
AMOUNT  SHALL  BE  NOT LESS THAN FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN TEN
THOUSAND DOLLARS, AND (II) IN THE CASE  OF  ANY  ELECTION  TO  A  PUBLIC
OFFICE,  FIFTEEN  THOUSAND  DOLLARS;  PROVIDED HOWEVER, THAT THE MAXIMUM
AMOUNT WHICH MAY BE SO CONTRIBUTED OR ACCEPTED, IN THE  AGGREGATE,  FROM
ANY  CANDIDATE'S CHILD, PARENT, GRANDPARENT, BROTHER AND SISTER, AND THE
SPOUSE OF ANY SUCH PERSONS, SHALL NOT EXCEED IN THE CASE  OF  ANY  NOMI-
NATION  TO  PUBLIC  OFFICE  AN  AMOUNT  EQUIVALENT TO THE PRODUCT OF THE
NUMBER OF ENROLLED VOTERS IN THE CANDIDATE'S PARTY IN THE STATE, EXCLUD-
ING VOTERS IN INACTIVE STATUS, MULTIPLIED BY $.025, AND IN THE  CASE  OF

S. 6773                             4

ANY ELECTION FOR A PUBLIC OFFICE, AN AMOUNT EQUIVALENT TO THE PRODUCT OF
THE  NUMBER  OF REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE STATE EXCLUDING VOTERS IN INAC-
TIVE STATUS, MULTIPLIED BY $.025.
  D.  IN  ANY  OTHER  ELECTION  FOR  PARTY POSITION OR FOR ELECTION TO A
PUBLIC OFFICE OR FOR NOMINATION FOR ANY SUCH OFFICE, NO CONTRIBUTOR  MAY
MAKE   A  CONTRIBUTION  TO  ANY  CANDIDATE  OR  POLITICAL  COMMITTEE  IN
CONNECTION WITH A CANDIDATE WHO IS  NOT  A  PARTICIPATING  CANDIDATE  AS
DEFINED  IN SUBDIVISION FOURTEEN OF SECTION 14-200-A OF THIS ARTICLE AND
NO SUCH CANDIDATE OR POLITICAL COMMITTEE  MAY  ACCEPT  ANY  CONTRIBUTION
FROM ANY CONTRIBUTOR, WHICH IS IN THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT GREATER THAN: (I)
IN  THE  CASE  OF  ANY ELECTION FOR PARTY POSITION, OR FOR NOMINATION TO
PUBLIC OFFICE, THE PRODUCT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ENROLLED VOTERS IN THE
CANDIDATE'S PARTY IN THE DISTRICT IN WHICH HE IS A CANDIDATE,  EXCLUDING
VOTERS  IN  INACTIVE STATUS, MULTIPLIED BY $.05, AND (II) IN THE CASE OF
ANY ELECTION FOR A PUBLIC OFFICE, THE PRODUCT OF  THE  TOTAL  NUMBER  OF
REGISTERED  VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT, EXCLUDING VOTERS IN INACTIVE STATUS,
MULTIPLIED BY $.05, HOWEVER IN THE CASE OF A NOMINATION WITHIN THE  CITY
OF  NEW  YORK  FOR  THE OFFICE OF MAYOR, PUBLIC ADVOCATE OR COMPTROLLER,
SUCH AMOUNT SHALL BE NOT LESS THAN FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS NOR  MORE  THAN
TWELVE  THOUSAND DOLLARS AS INCREASED OR DECREASED BY THE COST OF LIVING
ADJUSTMENT DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH E OF THIS SUBDIVISION; IN THE CASE  OF
AN  ELECTION WITHIN THE CITY OF NEW YORK FOR THE OFFICE OF MAYOR, PUBLIC
ADVOCATE OR COMPTROLLER, TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS  AS  INCREASED  OR
DECREASED  BY  THE COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH E OF
THIS SUBDIVISION; IN THE CASE OF A  NOMINATION  OR  ELECTION  FOR  STATE
SENATOR, FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS; IN THE CASE OF AN ELECTION OR NOMINATION
FOR  A MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY, THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS; PROVIDED HOWEVER,
THAT THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT WHICH MAY BE SO CONTRIBUTED OR ACCEPTED, IN  THE
AGGREGATE,  FROM ANY CANDIDATE'S CHILD, PARENT, GRANDPARENT, BROTHER AND
SISTER, AND THE SPOUSE OF ANY SUCH PERSONS, SHALL NOT EXCEED IN THE CASE
OF ANY ELECTION FOR PARTY POSITION OR NOMINATION FOR  PUBLIC  OFFICE  AN
AMOUNT  EQUIVALENT  TO  THE NUMBER OF ENROLLED VOTERS IN THE CANDIDATE'S
PARTY IN THE DISTRICT IN WHICH HE IS A CANDIDATE,  EXCLUDING  VOTERS  IN
INACTIVE  STATUS,  MULTIPLIED BY $.25 AND IN THE CASE OF ANY ELECTION TO
PUBLIC OFFICE, AN AMOUNT EQUIVALENT TO THE NUMBER OF  REGISTERED  VOTERS
IN  THE  DISTRICT,  EXCLUDING  VOTERS  IN INACTIVE STATUS, MULTIPLIED BY
$.25; OR TWELVE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS, WHICHEVER IS GREATER, OR  IN  THE
CASE  OF  A  NOMINATION  OR ELECTION OF A STATE SENATOR, TWENTY THOUSAND
DOLLARS, WHICHEVER IS GREATER,  OR  IN  THE  CASE  OF  A  NOMINATION  OR
ELECTION  OF  A  MEMBER  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY  TWELVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED
DOLLARS, WHICHEVER IS GREATER, BUT IN NO EVENT SHALL  ANY  SUCH  MAXIMUM
EXCEED ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.
  E. At the beginning of each fourth calendar year, commencing in [nine-
teen hundred ninety-five] TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE, the state board shall
determine  the  percentage  of  the  difference  between the most recent
available monthly consumer price index for all urban consumers published
by the United States bureau of labor statistics and such consumer  price
index  published for the same month four years previously. The amount of
each contribution limit fixed AND EXPRESSLY IDENTIFIED FOR ADJUSTMENT in
this subdivision shall be adjusted by  the  amount  of  such  percentage
difference  to the closest one hundred dollars by the state board which,
not later than the first day of February in each such year, shall  issue
a regulation publishing the amount of each such contribution limit. Each
contribution  limit  as  so  adjusted shall be the contribution limit in
effect for any election held before the next such adjustment.

S. 6773                             5

  F. EACH PARTY OR CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE MAY TRANSFER TO,  OR  SPEND  TO
ELECT OR OPPOSE A CANDIDATE, OR TRANSFER TO ANOTHER PARTY OR CONSTITUTED
COMMITTEE,  NO MORE THAN FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS PER ELECTION, EXCEPT THAT
SUCH COMMITTEE MAY IN ADDITION TO SUCH TRANSFERS OR EXPENDITURES:
  (I) IN A GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION TRANSFER TO, OR SPEND TO ELECT OR
OPPOSE A CANDIDATE, NO MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS RECEIVED FROM EACH
CONTRIBUTOR; AND
  (II)  IN  ANY  ELECTION  SPEND  WITHOUT  LIMITATION  FOR NON-CANDIDATE
EXPENDITURES NOT DESIGNED OR INTENDED TO ELECT A PARTICULAR CANDIDATE OR
CANDIDATES.
  G. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY  OTHER  CONTRIBUTION  LIMIT  IN  THIS  SECTION,
PARTICIPATING  CANDIDATES  AS DEFINED IN SUBDIVISION FOURTEEN OF SECTION
14-200-A OF THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTRIBUTE, OUT OF THEIR OWN  MONEY,  THREE
TIMES  THE APPLICABLE CONTRIBUTION LIMIT TO THEIR OWN AUTHORIZED COMMIT-
TEE.
  10. [a.] No contributor may make a contribution to a party or  consti-
tuted committee and no such committee may accept a contribution from any
contributor which, in the aggregate, is greater than [sixty-two thousand
five hundred] TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND dollars per annum.
  [b. At the beginning of each fourth calendar year, commencing in nine-
teen hundred ninety-five, the state board shall determine the percentage
of  the  difference  between  the most recent available monthly consumer
price index for all urban  consumers  published  by  the  United  States
bureau  of  labor statistics and such consumer price index published for
the same month four years previously. The amount  of  such  contribution
limit  fixed in paragraph a of this subdivision shall be adjusted by the
amount of such percentage difference to the closest one hundred  dollars
by  the  state  board which, not later than the first day of February in
each such year, shall issue a regulation publishing the amount  of  such
contribution  limit. Such contribution limit as so adjusted shall be the
contribution limit in effect for any election held before the next  such
adjustment.]
  S 5. Section 14-116 of the election law, subdivision 1 as redesignated
by chapter 9 of the laws of 1978 and subdivision 2 as amended by chapter
260 of the laws of 1981, is amended to read as follows:
  S  14-116.  Political  contributions  by  certain organizations. 1. No
corporation, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, or joint-stock association doing
business in this state, except a corporation or association organized or
maintained for political purposes only, shall directly or indirectly pay
or use or offer, consent or agree to pay or use any  money  or  property
for or in aid of any political party, committee or organization, or for,
or in aid of, any corporation, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, joint-stock or
other  association  organized  or  maintained for political purposes, or
for, or in aid of, any candidate for political office or for  nomination
for  such  office,  or  for  any  political purpose whatever, or for the
reimbursement or indemnification of any person for moneys or property so
used. Any officer, director, stock-holder,  attorney  or  agent  of  any
corporation, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, or joint-stock association which
violates  any  of  the  provisions of this section, who participates in,
aids, abets or advises or consents  to  any  such  violations,  and  any
person  who  solicits  or  knowingly  receives  any money or property in
violation of this section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
  2. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision one of this  section,
any  corporation or an organization financially supported in whole or in
part, by such corporation  may  make  expenditures,  including  contrib-
utions,  not  otherwise prohibited by law, for political purposes, in an

S. 6773                             6

amount not to exceed [five] ONE thousand dollars in the aggregate in any
calendar year; provided  that  no  public  utility  shall  use  revenues
received  from  the  rendition  of  public  service within the state for
contributions  for political purposes unless such cost is charged to the
shareholders of such a public service corporation.
  S 6. Section 14-130 of the election law, as added by  chapter  152  of
the laws of 1985, is amended to read as follows:
  S  14-130. Campaign funds for personal use.  1. Contributions received
by a candidate or a political committee may be expended for  any  lawful
purpose THAT IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO PROMOTING THE NOMINATION OR ELECTION
OF A CANDIDATE OR THE EXECUTION OF DUTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE HOLDING OF
A PUBLIC OFFICE OR PARTY POSITION.  Such funds shall not be converted by
any person to a personal use [which is unrelated to a political campaign
or the holding of a public office or party position].
  2.  NO CONTRIBUTION SHALL BE USED TO PAY INTEREST OR ANY OTHER FINANCE
CHARGES UPON MONIES LOANED TO THE CAMPAIGN  BY  SUCH  CANDIDATE  OR  THE
SPOUSE OF SUCH CANDIDATE.
  3.  (A)  AS  USED IN THIS SECTION, EXPENDITURES FOR "PERSONAL USE" ARE
DEFINED AS EXPENDITURES THAT ARE EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE PERSONAL BENEFIT OF
THE CANDIDATE OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL,  AND  ARE  USED  TO  FULFILL  ANY
COMMITMENT,  OBLIGATION,  OR  EXPENSE OF A PERSON THAT WOULD EXIST IRRE-
SPECTIVE OF THE CANDIDATE'S ELECTION CAMPAIGN OR THE  EXECUTION  OF  THE
DUTIES  OF PUBLIC OFFICE OR THE EXECUTION OF THE DUTIES OF A PARTY OFFI-
CIAL.
  (B) EXPENDITURES FOR PERSONAL USE SHALL INCLUDE, BUT ARE  NOT  LIMITED
TO, EXPENSES FOR THE FOLLOWING:
  (I)  ANY  RESIDENTIAL  OR  HOUSEHOLD  ITEMS, SUPPLIES OR EXPENDITURES,
INCLUDING MORTGAGE, RENT  OR  UTILITY  PAYMENTS  FOR  ANY  PART  OF  ANY
PERSONAL  RESIDENCE  OF  A  CANDIDATE OR OFFICEHOLDER OR A MEMBER OF THE
CANDIDATE'S OR OFFICEHOLDER'S FAMILY THAT ARE NOT INCURRED AS  A  RESULT
OF, OR TO FACILITATE, THE INDIVIDUAL'S CAMPAIGN, OR THE EXECUTION OF HIS
OR HER PUBLIC DUTIES. IN THE EVENT THAT ANY PROPERTY OR BUILDING IS USED
FOR  BOTH  PERSONAL  AND  CAMPAIGN  USE,  PERSONAL  USE SHALL CONSTITUTE
EXPENSES THAT EXCEED THE PRO-RATED AMOUNT FOR  SUCH  EXPENSES  BASED  ON
FAIR-MARKET VALUE.
  (II)  MORTGAGE,  RENT,  OR  UTILITY  PAYMENTS FOR ANY PART OF ANY NON-
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY THAT IS OWNED BY A CANDIDATE OR OFFICEHOLDER  OR  A
MEMBER  OF  A CANDIDATE'S OR OFFICEHOLDER'S FAMILY AND USED FOR CAMPAIGN
PURPOSES, TO THE EXTENT THE PAYMENTS EXCEED THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE
PROPERTY'S USAGE FOR CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES;
  (III) CLOTHING, OTHER THAN ITEMS THAT ARE USED IN THE CAMPAIGN;
  (IV) TUITION PAYMENTS;
  (V) CHILDCARE COSTS;
  (VI) DUES, FEES, OR GRATUITIES AT A COUNTRY CLUB, HEALTH CLUB,  RECRE-
ATIONAL  FACILITY  OR  OTHER  NONPOLITICAL ORGANIZATION, UNLESS THEY ARE
PART OF A SPECIFIC FUNDRAISING EVENT THAT TAKES PLACE ON  THE  ORGANIZA-
TION'S PREMISES;
  (VII)  SALARY  PAYMENTS  OR  OTHER COMPENSATION PROVIDED TO ANY PERSON
WHOSE SERVICES ARE NOT SOLELY  FOR  CAMPAIGN  PURPOSES  OR  PROVIDED  IN
CONNECTION WITH THE EXECUTION OF THE DUTIES OF PUBLIC OFFICE;
  (VIII) SALARY PAYMENTS OR OTHER COMPENSATION PROVIDED TO A MEMBER OF A
CANDIDATE'S  FAMILY,  UNLESS  THE  FAMILY  MEMBER IS PROVIDING BONA FIDE
SERVICES TO THE CAMPAIGN. IF A FAMILY MEMBER PROVIDES BONA FIDE SERVICES
TO A CAMPAIGN, ANY SALARY PAYMENTS OR OTHER COMPENSATION  IN  EXCESS  OF
THE  FAIR  MARKET  VALUE  OF  THE  SERVICES PROVIDED SHALL BE CONSIDERED
PAYMENTS FOR PERSONAL USE;

S. 6773                             7

  (IX) ADMISSION TO A SPORTING EVENT, CONCERT, THEATER, OR OTHER FORM OF
ENTERTAINMENT, UNLESS SUCH EVENT IS PART OF A CAMPAIGN  OR  OFFICEHOLDER
ACTIVITY;
  (X)  PAYMENT OF ANY FINES OR PENALTIES ASSESSED PURSUANT TO THIS CHAP-
TER OR IN CONNECTION WITH A CRIMINAL CONVICTION OR BY THE JOINT  COMMIS-
SION FOR PUBLIC ETHICS OR THE LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMISSION;
  (XI)  TRAVEL EXPENSES INCLUDING AUTOMOBILE PURCHASES OR LEASES, UNLESS
USED SOLELY FOR CAMPAIGN PURPOSES OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXECUTION OF
THE DUTIES OF PUBLIC OFFICE. IF A CANDIDATE USES CAMPAIGN FUNDS  TO  PAY
EXPENSES  ASSOCIATED  WITH TRAVEL THAT INVOLVES BOTH PERSONAL ACTIVITIES
AND CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES OR OFFICIAL  DUTIES,  THE  INCREMENTAL  EXPENSES
THAT  RESULT  FROM  THE  PERSONAL  ACTIVITIES  SHALL  BE  CONSIDERED FOR
PERSONAL USE UNLESS THE PERSON OR PERSONS BENEFITING FROM THE USE  REIM-
BURSE OR REIMBURSES THE CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT WITHIN NINETY DAYS FOR THE FULL
AMOUNT OF THE INCREMENTAL EXPENSES; AND
  (XII) ANY OTHER EXPENDITURE DESIGNATED BY THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS
AS CONSTITUTING PERSONAL USE.
  4.  NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL PROHIBIT A CANDIDATE FROM PURCHASING
EQUIPMENT OR PROPERTY FROM HIS OR HER  PERSONAL  FUNDS  AND  LEASING  OR
RENTING  SUCH  EQUIPMENT  OR PROPERTY TO A COMMITTEE WORKING DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY WITH HIM TO AID OR PARTICIPATE IN HIS OR  HER  NOMINATION  OR
ELECTION,  INCLUDING  AN EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE, PROVIDED THAT THE CANDI-
DATE AND HIS OR HER CAMPAIGN TREASURER SIGN A WRITTEN  LEASE  OR  RENTAL
AGREEMENT. SUCH AGREEMENT SHALL INCLUDE THE LEASE OR RENTAL PRICE, WHICH
SHALL  NOT  EXCEED  THE FAIR LEASE OR RENTAL VALUE OF THE EQUIPMENT. THE
CANDIDATE SHALL NOT RECEIVE LEASE  OR  RENTAL  PAYMENTS  WHICH,  IN  THE
AGGREGATE, EXCEED THE COST OF PURCHASING THE EQUIPMENT OR PROPERTY.
  5.  NOTHING  IN  THIS SECTION SHALL PROHIBIT AN ELECTED PUBLIC OFFICE-
HOLDER FROM USING CAMPAIGN  CONTRIBUTIONS  TO  FACILITATE,  SUPPORT,  OR
OTHERWISE ASSIST IN THE EXECUTION OR PERFORMANCE OF THE DUTIES OF HIS OR
HER PUBLIC OFFICE.
  6.  THE  STATE  BOARD  OF ELECTIONS SHALL ISSUE ADVISORY OPINIONS FROM
TIME TO TIME UPON REQUEST TO ADDRESS THE APPLICATION OF THIS SECTION.
  S 7. Article 14 of the election law is amended by adding a  new  title
II to read as follows:
                                TITLE II
                            PUBLIC FINANCING
SECTION 14-200.   LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT.
        14-200-A. DEFINITIONS.
        14-201.   REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
        14-202.   CONTRIBUTIONS.
        14-203.   PROOF OF COMPLIANCE.
        14-204.   ELIGIBILITY.
        14-205.   LIMITS ON PUBLIC FINANCING.
        14-206.   PAYMENT OF PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS.
        14-207.   USE  OF  PUBLIC  MATCHING  FUNDS;  QUALIFIED  CAMPAIGN
                    EXPENDITURES.
        14-208.   POWERS AND DUTIES OF BOARD.
        14-209.   AUDITS AND REPAYMENTS.
        14-210.   ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES  FOR  VIOLATIONS  AND  OTHER
                    PROCEEDINGS.
        14-211.   REPORTS.
        14-212.   DEBATES FOR CANDIDATES FOR STATEWIDE OFFICE.
        14-213.   SEVERABILITY.
  S 14-200. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT.  THE LEGISLATURE FINDS THAT
REFORM OF NEW YORK STATE'S CAMPAIGN FINANCE SYSTEM IS CRUCIAL TO IMPROV-

S. 6773                             8

ING PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE STATE'S DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES AND CONTINUING
TO  ENSURE  A GOVERNMENT THAT IS ACCOUNTABLE TO ALL OF THE VOTERS OF THE
STATE REGARDLESS OF WEALTH OR POSITION. THE LEGISLATURE FINDS  THAT  NEW
YORK'S  CURRENT SYSTEM OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE, WITH ITS LARGE CONTRIBUTIONS
TO CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE AND PARTY COMMITTEES, HAS CREATED THE POTENTIAL
FOR AND THE APPEARANCE OF CORRUPTION.   THE  LEGISLATURE  FURTHER  FINDS
THAT,  WHETHER OR NOT THIS SYSTEM CREATES ACTUAL CORRUPTION, THE APPEAR-
ANCE OF SUCH CORRUPTION CAN GIVE RISE TO A DISTRUST  IN  GOVERNMENT  AND
CITIZEN  APATHY THAT UNDERMINE THE DEMOCRATIC OPERATION OF THE POLITICAL
PROCESS.
  THE LEGISLATURE ALSO FINDS THAT THE HIGH COST OF RUNNING FOR OFFICE IN
NEW YORK DISCOURAGES QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FROM RUNNING  FOR  OFFICE  AND
CREATES AN ELECTORAL SYSTEM THAT ENCOURAGES CANDIDATES TO SPEND TOO MUCH
TIME  RAISING MONEY RATHER THAN ATTENDING TO THE DUTIES OF THEIR OFFICE,
REPRESENTING THE NEEDS OF THEIR  CONSTITUENTS,  AND  COMMUNICATING  WITH
VOTERS.
  THE  LEGISLATURE AMENDS THIS CHAPTER CREATING A NEW TITLE TWO TO ARTI-
CLE FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER TO REDUCE THE  POSSIBILITY  AND  APPEARANCE
THAT SPECIAL INTERESTS EXERCISE UNDUE INFLUENCE OVER STATE OFFICIALS; TO
INCREASE  THE ACTUAL AND APPARENT RESPONSIVENESS OF ELECTED OFFICIALS TO
ALL VOTERS; TO ENCOURAGE QUALIFIED CANDIDATES TO RUN FOR OFFICE; AND  TO
REDUCE THE PRESSURE ON CANDIDATES TO SPEND LARGE AMOUNTS OF TIME RAISING
LARGE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THEIR CAMPAIGNS.
  THE LEGISLATURE FINDS THAT THIS ARTICLE'S LIMITATIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS
FURTHER   THE  GOVERNMENT'S  INTEREST  IN  REDUCING  REAL  AND  APPARENT
CORRUPTION AND IN BUILDING TRUST IN GOVERNMENT.  THE  LEGISLATURE  FINDS
THAT  THE  CONTRIBUTION LEVELS ARE SUFFICIENTLY HIGH TO ALLOW CANDIDATES
AND POLITICAL PARTIES TO RAISE ENOUGH MONEY TO RUN EFFECTIVE  CAMPAIGNS.
IN  ADDITION,  THE LEGISLATURE FINDS THAT GRADUATED CONTRIBUTION LIMITA-
TIONS REFLECT THE CAMPAIGN NEEDS OF CANDIDATES FOR DIFFERENT OFFICES.
  THE LEGISLATURE ALSO FINDS THAT THE SYSTEM OF VOLUNTARY PUBLIC FINANC-
ING FURTHERS THE GOVERNMENT'S INTEREST IN ENCOURAGING  QUALIFIED  CANDI-
DATES TO RUN FOR OFFICE. THE LEGISLATURE FINDS THAT THE VOLUNTARY PUBLIC
FUNDING  PROGRAM  WILL  ENLARGE  THE  PUBLIC DEBATE AND INCREASE PARTIC-
IPATION IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS. IN ADDITION,  THE  LEGISLATURE  FINDS
THAT  THE  VOLUNTARY  EXPENDITURE  LIMITATIONS AND MATCHING FUND PROGRAM
REDUCE THE BURDEN ON CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS TO SPEND TIME  RAISING
MONEY FOR THEIR CAMPAIGNS.
  THEREFORE,  THE LEGISLATURE DECLARES THAT THESE AMENDMENTS FURTHER THE
IMPORTANT AND VALID  GOVERNMENT  INTERESTS  OF  REDUCING  VOTER  APATHY,
BUILDING  CONFIDENCE  IN GOVERNMENT, REDUCING THE REALITY AND APPEARANCE
OF CORRUPTION, AND ENCOURAGING QUALIFIED CANDIDATES TO RUN  FOR  OFFICE,
WHILE REDUCING CANDIDATES' AND OFFICEHOLDERS' FUNDRAISING BURDENS.
  S  14-200-A. DEFINITIONS.  FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE, THE FOLLOW-
ING TERMS SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING MEANINGS:
  1. THE TERM "AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE" SHALL  MEAN  THE  SINGLE  COMMITTEE
DESIGNATED  BY  A  CANDIDATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 14-201 OF THIS TITLE TO
RECEIVE CONTRIBUTIONS AND MAKE EXPENDITURES IN  SUPPORT  OF  THE  CANDI-
DATE'S CAMPAIGN.
  2. THE TERM "BOARD" SHALL MEAN THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
  3.  THE  TERM "CONTRIBUTION" SHALL HAVE THE SAME MEANING AS APPEARS IN
SUBDIVISION NINE OF SECTION 14-100 OF THIS ARTICLE.
  4. THE TERM "CONTRIBUTOR" SHALL MEAN ANY PERSON OR ENTITY THAT MAKES A
CONTRIBUTION.
  5. THE TERM "COVERED ELECTION" SHALL MEAN  ANY  PRIMARY,  GENERAL,  OR
SPECIAL ELECTION FOR NOMINATION FOR ELECTION, OR ELECTION, TO THE OFFICE

S. 6773                             9

OF  GOVERNOR,  LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, ATTORNEY GENERAL, STATE COMPTROLLER,
STATE SENATOR, OR MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY.
  6.  THE  TERM "ELECTION CYCLE" SHALL MEAN THE TWO YEAR PERIOD STARTING
THE DAY AFTER THE LAST GENERAL ELECTION FOR  CANDIDATES  FOR  THE  STATE
LEGISLATURE  AND  SHALL MEAN THE FOUR YEAR PERIOD STARTING AFTER THE DAY
AFTER THE LAST GENERAL ELECTION FOR CANDIDATES FOR STATEWIDE OFFICE.
  7. THE TERM "EXPENDITURE" SHALL MEAN ANY GIFT, SUBSCRIPTION,  ADVANCE,
PAYMENT, OR DEPOSIT OF MONEY OR ANYTHING OF VALUE, OR A CONTRACT TO MAKE
ANY  GIFT,  SUBSCRIPTION,  PAYMENT,  OR  DEPOSIT OF MONEY OR ANYTHING OF
VALUE, MADE IN CONNECTION WITH THE NOMINATION FOR ELECTION, OR ELECTION,
OF ANY CANDIDATE.  EXPENDITURES MADE BY CONTRACT ARE  DEEMED  MADE  WHEN
SUCH FUNDS ARE OBLIGATED.
  8.  THE  TERM  "FUND"  SHALL  MEAN THE NEW YORK STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE
FUND.
  9. THE TERM "IMMEDIATE FAMILY" SHALL MEAN A SPOUSE, CHILD, SIBLING  OR
PARENT.
  10.  THE  TERM  "INTERMEDIARY"  SHALL MEAN AN INDIVIDUAL, CORPORATION,
PARTNERSHIP, POLITICAL COMMITTEE, EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION OR OTHER  ENTITY
WHICH BUNDLES, CAUSES TO BE DELIVERED OR OTHERWISE DELIVERS ANY CONTRIB-
UTION FROM ANOTHER PERSON OR ENTITY TO A CANDIDATE OR AUTHORIZED COMMIT-
TEE,  OTHER THAN IN THE REGULAR COURSE OF BUSINESS AS A POSTAL, DELIVERY
OR MESSENGER SERVICE.  PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT AN  "INTERMEDIARY"  SHALL
NOT INCLUDE SPOUSES, DOMESTIC PARTNERS, PARENTS, CHILDREN OR SIBLINGS OF
THE  PERSON  MAKING  SUCH CONTRIBUTION OR A STAFF MEMBER OR VOLUNTEER OF
THE CAMPAIGN IDENTIFIED IN WRITING TO THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS. HERE
"CAUSES TO BE DELIVERED" SHALL INCLUDE PROVIDING POSTAGE,  ENVELOPES  OR
OTHER  SHIPPING  MATERIALS FOR THE USE OF DELIVERING THE CONTRIBUTION TO
THE ULTIMATE RECIPIENT.
  11. THE TERM "ITEM WITH  SIGNIFICANT  INTRINSIC  AND  ENDURING  VALUE"
SHALL  MEAN  ANY ITEM, INCLUDING TICKETS TO AN EVENT, THAT ARE VALUED AT
TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS OR MORE.
  12. (A) THE TERM "MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTION" SHALL MEAN  A  CONTRIBUTION,
CONTRIBUTIONS  OR  A  PORTION OF A CONTRIBUTION OR CONTRIBUTIONS FOR ANY
COVERED ELECTIONS HELD IN THE SAME ELECTION CYCLE,  MADE  BY  A  NATURAL
PERSON  WHO  IS A UNITED STATES CITIZEN AND RESIDENT IN THE STATE OF NEW
YORK TO A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE, THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED IN FULL TO THE
BOARD IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIONS 14-102 AND 14-104 OF THIS  ARTICLE  BY
THE  CANDIDATE'S  AUTHORIZED  COMMITTEE  AND  HAS BEEN CONTRIBUTED ON OR
BEFORE THE DAY OF THE APPLICABLE PRIMARY,  GENERAL,  RUNOFF  OR  SPECIAL
ELECTION.  ANY  CONTRIBUTION,  CONTRIBUTIONS, OR A PORTION OF A CONTRIB-
UTION DETERMINED TO BE INVALID FOR MATCHING FUNDS BY THE BOARD  MAY  NOT
BE TREATED AS A MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTION FOR ANY PURPOSE.
  (B) THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS ARE NOT MATCHABLE:
  (I) LOANS;
  (II) IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS OF PROPERTY, GOODS, OR SERVICES;
  (III) CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE FORM OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID FOR AN ITEM
WITH SIGNIFICANT INTRINSIC AND ENDURING VALUE;
  (IV) TRANSFERS FROM A PARTY OR CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE;
  (V) ANONYMOUS CONTRIBUTIONS OR CONTRIBUTIONS WHOSE SOURCE IS NOT ITEM-
IZED AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 14-201 OF THIS TITLE;
  (VI) CONTRIBUTIONS GATHERED DURING A PREVIOUS ELECTION CYCLE;
  (VII) ILLEGAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
  (VIII) CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MINORS;
  (IX) CONTRIBUTIONS FROM VENDORS FOR CAMPAIGNS; AND
  (X)  CONTRIBUTIONS  FROM  LOBBYISTS REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION
(A) OF SECTION ONE-C OF THE LEGISLATIVE LAW.

S. 6773                            10

  13. THE TERM "NONPARTICIPATING CANDIDATE" SHALL MEAN A CANDIDATE FOR A
COVERED ELECTION WHO FAILS TO FILE A WRITTEN CERTIFICATION IN  THE  FORM
OF  AN  AFFIDAVIT  UNDER  SECTION 14-204 OF THIS TITLE BY THE APPLICABLE
DEADLINE.
  14.  THE  TERM  "PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE" SHALL MEAN ANY CANDIDATE FOR
NOMINATION FOR ELECTION, OR ELECTION, TO THE OFFICE OF  GOVERNOR,  LIEU-
TENANT  GOVERNOR, ATTORNEY GENERAL, STATE COMPTROLLER, STATE SENATOR, OR
MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY WHO FILES A WRITTEN CERTIFICATION IN THE FORM  OF
AN AFFIDAVIT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14-204 OF THIS TITLE.
  15.  THE TERM "POST-ELECTION PERIOD" SHALL MEAN THE FIVE YEARS FOLLOW-
ING AN ELECTION WHEN A CANDIDATE IS SUBJECT TO AN AUDIT.
  16. THE TERM "QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE" SHALL MEAN  AN  EXPENDI-
TURE FOR WHICH PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS MAY BE USED.
  17.  THE  TERM  "THRESHOLD  FOR  ELIGIBILITY" SHALL MEAN THE AMOUNT OF
MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT A  CANDIDATE'S  AUTHORIZED  COMMITTEE  MUST
RECEIVE  IN  TOTAL  IN ORDER FOR SUCH CANDIDATE TO QUALIFY FOR VOLUNTARY
PUBLIC FINANCING UNDER THIS TITLE.
  18. THE TERM "TRANSFER" SHALL MEAN ANY EXCHANGE  OF  FUNDS  BETWEEN  A
PARTY  OR  CONSTITUTED  COMMITTEE  AND  A CANDIDATE OR ANY OF HIS OR HER
AUTHORIZED COMMITTEES.
  S 14-201. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.   1. POLITICAL  COMMITTEE  REGISTRA-
TION.  POLITICAL  COMMITTEES  AS  DEFINED PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION ONE OF
SECTION 14-100 OF THIS ARTICLE SHALL  REGISTER  WITH  THE  BOARD  BEFORE
MAKING ANY CONTRIBUTION OR EXPENDITURE.  THE BOARD SHALL PUBLISH A CUMU-
LATIVE  LIST  OF POLITICAL COMMITTEES THAT HAVE REGISTERED, INCLUDING ON
ITS WEBPAGE, AND REGULARLY UPDATE IT.
  2. ONLY ONE AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE PER  CANDIDATE  PER  ELECTIVE  OFFICE
SOUGHT.  BEFORE RECEIVING ANY CONTRIBUTION OR MAKING ANY EXPENDITURE FOR
A  COVERED  ELECTION,  EACH  CANDIDATE  SHALL NOTIFY THE BOARD AS TO THE
EXISTENCE OF HIS OR HER AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE THAT HAS BEEN  APPROVED  BY
SUCH  CANDIDATE.  EACH  CANDIDATE SHALL HAVE ONE AND ONLY ONE AUTHORIZED
COMMITTEE PER ELECTIVE OFFICE SOUGHT. EACH  AUTHORIZED  COMMITTEE  SHALL
HAVE  A  TREASURER  AND  IS SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTIONS FOUND IN SECTION
14-112 OF THIS ARTICLE.
  3. DISCLOSURE REPORTS.  (A) DETAILED REPORTING. IN  ADDITION  TO  EACH
AUTHORIZED AND POLITICAL COMMITTEE REPORTING TO THE BOARD EVERY CONTRIB-
UTION  AND  LOAN  RECEIVED  AND  EVERY  EXPENDITURE MADE IN THE TIME AND
MANNER PRESCRIBED BY SECTIONS 14-102, 14-104 AND 14-108 OF THIS ARTICLE,
EACH AUTHORIZED AND POLITICAL COMMITTEE  SHALL  ALSO  SUBMIT  DISCLOSURE
REPORTS  ON  MARCH  FIFTEENTH  AND  MAY  FIFTEENTH OF EACH ELECTION YEAR
REPORTING TO THE BOARD EVERY CONTRIBUTION AND LOAN  RECEIVED  AND  EVERY
EXPENDITURE  MADE.    FOR  CONTRIBUTORS  WHO  MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS OF FIVE
HUNDRED DOLLARS OR MORE, EACH AUTHORIZED AND POLITICAL  COMMITTEE  SHALL
REPORT  TO  THE  BOARD  THE  OCCUPATION,  AND  BUSINESS  ADDRESS OF EACH
CONTRIBUTOR, LENDER, AND INTERMEDIARY. THE BOARD SHALL  REVISE,  PREPARE
AND  POST  FORMS  ON  ITS  WEBPAGE  THAT  FACILITATE COMPLIANCE WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION.
  (B) BOARD REVIEW. THE BOARD'S PUBLIC FINANCING UNIT SHALL REVIEW  EACH
DISCLOSURE  REPORT  FILED  AND  SHALL  INFORM  AUTHORIZED  AND POLITICAL
COMMITTEES OF RELEVANT QUESTIONS THE UNIT HAS CONCERNING: (I) COMPLIANCE
WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THIS TITLE AND OF THE RULES ISSUED  BY  THE  BOARD;
AND  (II)  QUALIFICATION FOR RECEIVING PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS PURSUANT TO
THIS TITLE. IN THE COURSE OF THIS REVIEW, THE UNIT SHALL GIVE AUTHORIZED
AND POLITICAL COMMITTEES AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND TO AND CORRECT POTEN-
TIAL VIOLATIONS AND GIVE CANDIDATES AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS  QUESTIONS
THE  UNIT  HAS  CONCERNING  THEIR MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTION CLAIMS OR OTHER

S. 6773                            11

ISSUES CONCERNING ELIGIBILITY FOR RECEIVING PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS PURSU-
ANT TO THIS TITLE. NOTHING IN THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL PRECLUDE THE UNIT  OR
THE BOARD FROM SUBSEQUENTLY REVIEWING SUCH DISCLOSURE REPORTS AND TAKING
ANY ACTION OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED UNDER THIS TITLE.
  (C)  ITEMIZATION. CONTRIBUTIONS THAT ARE NOT ITEMIZED IN REPORTS FILED
WITH THE BOARD SHALL NOT BE MATCHABLE.
  (D) OPTION TO FILE MORE FREQUENTLY. PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES MAY  FILE
REPORTS OF CONTRIBUTIONS AS FREQUENTLY AS ONCE A WEEK ON FRIDAYS SO THAT
THEIR MATCHING FUNDS MAY BE PAID AT THE EARLIEST ALLOWABLE DATE.
  S  14-202. CONTRIBUTIONS.   RECIPIENTS OF FUNDS PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE
SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE APPLICABLE  CONTRIBUTION  LIMITS  SET  FORTH  IN
SECTION 14-114 OF THIS ARTICLE.
  S  14-203.  PROOF OF COMPLIANCE.   AUTHORIZED AND POLITICAL COMMITTEES
SHALL MAINTAIN SUCH RECORDS OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES FOR  A  COVERED
ELECTION  AS REQUIRED BY THE BOARD.  AUTHORIZED AND POLITICAL COMMITTEES
SHALL OBTAIN AND FURNISH TO THE PUBLIC FINANCING UNIT ANY INFORMATION IT
MAY REQUEST RELATING TO  FINANCIAL  TRANSACTIONS  OR  CONTRIBUTIONS  AND
FURNISH SUCH DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER PROOF OF COMPLIANCE WITH THIS TITLE
AS  MAY BE REQUESTED. IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 14-108 OF THIS ARTICLE,
AUTHORIZED AND  POLITICAL  COMMITTEES  SHALL  MAINTAIN  COPIES  OF  SUCH
RECORDS FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS.
  S  14-204.  ELIGIBILITY.   1. TERMS AND CONDITIONS. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR
VOLUNTARY PUBLIC FINANCING UNDER THIS TITLE, A CANDIDATE MUST:
  (A) BE A CANDIDATE IN A COVERED ELECTION;
  (B) MEET ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF LAW TO HAVE HIS OR HER  NAME  ON  THE
BALLOT;
  (C)  IN  THE CASE OF A COVERED GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION, BE OPPOSED
BY ANOTHER CANDIDATE ON THE BALLOT WHO IS NOT A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE;
  (D) SUBMIT A CERTIFICATION IN THE FORM OF AN AFFIDAVIT, IN  SUCH  FORM
AS MAY BE PRESCRIBED BY THE BOARD, THAT SETS FORTH HIS OR HER ACCEPTANCE
OF  AND  AGREEMENT  TO  COMPLY  WITH  THE  TERMS  AND CONDITIONS FOR THE
PROVISION OF SUCH FUNDS IN EACH COVERED ELECTION AND SUCH  CERTIFICATION
SHALL  BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST FOUR MONTHS BEFORE THE ELECTION PURSUANT TO
A SCHEDULE PROMULGATED BY THE PUBLIC FINANCING UNIT OF THE BOARD;
  (E) BE CERTIFIED AS A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE BY THE BOARD;
  (F) NOT MAKE, AND NOT HAVE MADE, EXPENDITURES FROM OR USE HIS  OR  HER
PERSONAL  FUNDS  OR  PROPERTY  OR THE PERSONAL FUNDS OR PROPERTY JOINTLY
HELD WITH HIS OR HER SPOUSE, OR  UNEMANCIPATED  CHILDREN  IN  CONNECTION
WITH  HIS  OR  HER  NOMINATION  ELECTION OR ELECTION TO A COVERED OFFICE
EXCEPT AS A CONTRIBUTION TO HIS OR HER AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE IN AN AMOUNT
THAT EXCEEDS THREE TIMES THE APPLICABLE CONTRIBUTION LIMIT FROM AN INDI-
VIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR TO CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE THAT HE OR SHE IS  SEEK-
ING;
  (G) MEET THE THRESHOLD FOR ELIGIBILITY SET FORTH IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF
THIS SECTION; AND
  (H)  CONTINUE  TO  ABIDE  BY ALL REQUIREMENTS DURING THE POST-ELECTION
PERIOD.
  2. THRESHOLD FOR ELIGIBILITY. (A) THE THRESHOLD  FOR  ELIGIBILITY  FOR
PUBLIC FUNDING FOR PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES SHALL BE IN THE CASE OF:
  (I)  GOVERNOR,  NOT  LESS  THAN  SIX HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS IN
MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTIONS INCLUDING AT LEAST  SIX  THOUSAND  FIVE  HUNDRED
MATCHABLE  CONTRIBUTIONS  COMPRISED  OF SUMS BETWEEN TEN AND ONE HUNDRED
SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS PER CONTRIBUTOR, FROM RESIDENTS OF NEW YORK STATE;
  (II) LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, ATTORNEY GENERAL, AND COMPTROLLER, NOT  LESS
THAN  TWO  HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS IN MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTIONS INCLUDING
AT LEAST TWO THOUSAND MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTIONS COMPRISED OF SUMS  BETWEEN

S. 6773                            12

TEN AND ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS PER CONTRIBUTOR, FROM RESIDENTS
OF NEW YORK STATE;
  (III)  STATE SENATOR, NOT LESS THAN TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS IN MATCHA-
BLE CONTRIBUTIONS INCLUDING AT LEAST TWO HUNDRED MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
COMPRISED OF SUMS BETWEEN TEN AND ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE  DOLLARS  PER
CONTRIBUTOR,  FROM  RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT IN WHICH THE SEAT IS TO BE
FILLED; AND
  (IV) MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY, NOT LESS THAN  TEN  THOUSAND  DOLLARS  IN
MATCHABLE   CONTRIBUTIONS  INCLUDING  AT  LEAST  ONE  HUNDRED  MATCHABLE
CONTRIBUTIONS COMPRISED OF SUMS BETWEEN TEN AND ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE
DOLLARS PER CONTRIBUTOR, FROM RESIDENTS OF THE  DISTRICT  IN  WHICH  THE
SEAT IS TO BE FILLED.
  (B)  ANY PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE MEETING THE THRESHOLD FOR ELIGIBILITY
IN A PRIMARY ELECTION FOR ONE OF THE FOREGOING OFFICES SHALL  BE  DEEMED
TO  HAVE  MET THE THRESHOLD FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR SUCH OFFICE IN ANY OTHER
SUBSEQUENT ELECTION HELD IN THE SAME CALENDAR YEAR.
  S 14-205. LIMITS ON PUBLIC FINANCING. THE FOLLOWING LIMITATIONS  APPLY
TO  THE  TOTAL AMOUNTS OF PUBLIC FUNDS THAT MAY BE PROVIDED TO A PARTIC-
IPATING CANDIDATE'S AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE FOR AN ELECTION CYCLE:
  1. IN ANY PRIMARY ELECTION, RECEIPT OF PUBLIC FUNDS  BY  PARTICIPATING
CANDIDATES AND BY THEIR PARTICIPATING COMMITTEES SHALL NOT EXCEED:
  (I) FOR GOVERNOR, THE SUM OF EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS;
  (II) FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, COMPTROLLER OR ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE SUM
OF FOUR MILLION DOLLARS;
  (III)  FOR  SENATOR,  THE  SUM  OF THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND
DOLLARS;
  (IV) FOR MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY, THE SUM OF ONE  HUNDRED  SEVENTY-FIVE
THOUSAND DOLLARS.
  2.  IN  ANY  GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION, RECEIPT OF PUBLIC FUNDS BY A
PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE'S AUTHORIZED COMMITTEES  SHALL  NOT  EXCEED  THE
FOLLOWING AMOUNTS:
  CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION TO THE OFFICE OF:
  GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR (COMBINED)                $10,000,000
  ATTORNEY GENERAL                                           $4,000,000
  COMPTROLLER                                                $4,000,000
  MEMBER OF SENATE                                           $375,000
  MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY                                         $175,000
  3.  NO PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE FOR NOMINATION FOR AN OFFICE WHO IS NOT
OPPOSED BY A CANDIDATE ON THE BALLOT IN  A  PRIMARY  ELECTION  SHALL  BE
ENTITLED  TO  PAYMENT OF PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS, EXCEPT THAT, WHERE THERE
IS A CONTEST IN SUCH PRIMARY ELECTION FOR THE NOMINATION OF AT LEAST ONE
OF THE TWO POLITICAL PARTIES WITH THE HIGHEST AND SECOND HIGHEST  NUMBER
OF  ENROLLED  MEMBERS  FOR SUCH OFFICE, A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE WHO IS
UNOPPOSED IN THE PRIMARY ELECTION MAY RECEIVE PUBLIC  FUNDS  BEFORE  THE
PRIMARY  ELECTION,  FOR  EXPENSES INCURRED ON OR BEFORE THE DATE OF SUCH
PRIMARY ELECTION, IN AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO UP TO HALF THE SUM SET FORTH  IN
PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS SECTION.
  S 14-206. PAYMENT OF PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS. 1. DETERMINATION OF ELIGI-
BILITY.  NO PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS SHALL BE PAID TO AN AUTHORIZED COMMIT-
TEE UNLESS THE PUBLIC FINANCING UNIT DETERMINES THAT  THE  PARTICIPATING
CANDIDATE  HAS  MET  THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OF THIS TITLE. PAYMENT
SHALL NOT EXCEED THE  AMOUNTS  SPECIFIED  IN  SUBDIVISION  TWO  OF  THIS
SECTION,  AND  SHALL  BE  MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF
THIS TITLE. SUCH PAYMENT MAY BE MADE ONLY TO  THE  PARTICIPATING  CANDI-
DATE'S  AUTHORIZED  COMMITTEE.  NO  PUBLIC  MATCHING FUNDS SHALL BE USED
EXCEPT AS REIMBURSEMENT OR PAYMENT FOR QUALIFIED  CAMPAIGN  EXPENDITURES

S. 6773                            13

ACTUALLY  AND  LAWFULLY INCURRED OR TO REPAY LOANS USED TO PAY QUALIFIED
CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES.
  2.  CALCULATION  OF  PAYMENT. IF THE THRESHOLD FOR ELIGIBILITY IS MET,
THE PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE'S AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE SHALL RECEIVE PAYMENT
FOR QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES OF SIX DOLLARS  OF  PUBLIC  MATCHING
FUNDS  FOR EACH ONE DOLLAR OF MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTIONS, FOR THE FIRST ONE
HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS OF ELIGIBLE PRIVATE FUNDS PER  CONTRIBUTOR,
OBTAINED  AND REPORTED TO THE BOARD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF
THIS TITLE. THE MAXIMUM PAYMENT OF PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS SHALL BE LIMIT-
ED TO THE AMOUNTS SET FORTH IN SECTION 14-205  OF  THIS  TITLE  FOR  THE
COVERED ELECTION.
  3. TIMING OF PAYMENT. THE PUBLIC FINANCING UNIT SHALL MAKE ANY PAYMENT
OF PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS TO PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES AS SOON AS IS PRAC-
TICABLE. BUT IN ALL CASES, THAT UNIT SHALL VERIFY ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC
MATCHING  FUNDS  WITHIN  FOUR  DAYS OF RECEIVING A CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION
REPORT FILED IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 14-104 OF THIS  ARTICLE.  WITHIN
TWO  DAYS OF DETERMINING THAT A CANDIDATE FOR A COVERED OFFICE IS ELIGI-
BLE FOR PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS, THE UNIT SHALL PAY THE APPLICABLE  MATCH-
ING  FUNDS  OWED  TO THE CANDIDATE. HOWEVER, THE UNIT SHALL NOT MAKE ANY
PAYMENTS OF PUBLIC MONEY EARLIER THAN THE EARLIEST DATES FOR MAKING SUCH
PAYMENTS AS PROVIDED BY THIS TITLE.   IF  ANY  OF  SUCH  PAYMENTS  WOULD
REQUIRE  PAYMENT  ON A WEEKEND OR FEDERAL HOLIDAY, PAYMENT SHALL BE MADE
ON THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY.
  4. ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER. THE  BOARD  SHALL  PROMULGATE  RULES  TO
FACILITATE  ELECTRONIC  FUNDS  TRANSFERS  DIRECTLY FROM THE FUND INTO AN
AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE'S BANK ACCOUNT.
  5.  IRREGULARLY  SCHEDULED  ELECTIONS.   NOTWITHSTANDING   ANY   OTHER
PROVISION OF THIS TITLE, THE BOARD SHALL PROMULGATE RULES TO PROVIDE FOR
THE  PROMPT  ISSUANCE OF PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS TO ELIGIBLE PARTICIPATING
CANDIDATES FOR QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES IN THE CASE OF ANY  OTHER
COVERED ELECTION HELD ON A DAY DIFFERENT FROM THAT THAN ORIGINALLY SCHE-
DULED  INCLUDING SPECIAL ELECTIONS. BUT IN ALL CASES, THE PUBLIC FINANC-
ING UNIT SHALL (A) WITHIN FOUR DAYS OF RECEIVING A  REPORT  OF  CONTRIB-
UTIONS  FROM  A  CANDIDATE FOR A COVERED OFFICE CLAIMING ELIGIBILITY FOR
PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS VERIFY THAT  CANDIDATE'S  ELIGIBILITY  FOR  PUBLIC
MATCHING  FUNDS;  AND (B) WITHIN TWO DAYS OF DETERMINING THAT THE CANDI-
DATE FOR A COVERED OFFICE IS ELIGIBLE FOR  PUBLIC  MATCHING  FUNDS,  THE
UNIT SHALL PAY THE APPLICABLE MATCHING FUNDS OWED TO THE CANDIDATE.
  S  14-207.  USE  OF PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS; QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENDI-
TURES.  1. PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS PROVIDED UNDER THE PROVISIONS  OF  THIS
TITLE  MAY  BE  USED ONLY BY AN AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE FOR EXPENDITURES TO
FURTHER  THE  PARTICIPATING  CANDIDATE'S  NOMINATION  FOR  ELECTION   OR
ELECTION,  INCLUDING  PAYING FOR DEBTS INCURRED WITHIN ONE YEAR PRIOR TO
AN ELECTION TO FURTHER  THE  PARTICIPATING  CANDIDATE'S  NOMINATION  FOR
ELECTION OR ELECTION.
  2. SUCH PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS MAY NOT BE USED FOR:
  (A) AN EXPENDITURE IN VIOLATION OF ANY LAW;
  (B)  AN  EXPENDITURE  IN  EXCESS OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF SERVICES,
MATERIALS, FACILITIES OR OTHER THINGS OF VALUE RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE;
  (C) AN EXPENDITURE MADE AFTER THE CANDIDATE HAS BEEN FINALLY DISQUALI-
FIED FROM THE BALLOT;
  (D) AN EXPENDITURE MADE AFTER  THE  ONLY  REMAINING  OPPONENT  OF  THE
CANDIDATE  HAS  BEEN  FINALLY  DISQUALIFIED  FROM THE GENERAL OR SPECIAL
ELECTION BALLOT;
  (E) AN EXPENDITURE MADE BY CASH PAYMENT;

S. 6773                            14

  (F) A CONTRIBUTION OR LOAN OR  TRANSFER  MADE  TO  OR  EXPENDITURE  TO
SUPPORT  ANOTHER CANDIDATE OR POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR PARTY, COMMITTEE OR
CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE;
  (G)  AN  EXPENDITURE  TO  SUPPORT  OR OPPOSE A CANDIDATE FOR AN OFFICE
OTHER THAN THAT WHICH THE PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE SEEKS;
  (H) GIFTS, EXCEPT BROCHURES, BUTTONS, SIGNS AND OTHER PRINTED CAMPAIGN
MATERIAL;
  (I) LEGAL FEES TO DEFEND AGAINST A CRIMINAL CHARGE;
  (J) PAYMENTS TO IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE  PARTICIPATING  CANDI-
DATE; OR
  (K)  ANY EXPENDITURE MADE TO CHALLENGE THE VALIDITY OF ANY PETITION OF
DESIGNATION OR NOMINATION OR ANY CERTIFICATE OF NOMINATION,  ACCEPTANCE,
AUTHORIZATION, DECLINATION OR SUBSTITUTION.
  S 14-208. POWERS AND DUTIES OF BOARD.  1. ADVISORY OPINIONS. THE BOARD
SHALL  RENDER  ADVISORY OPINIONS WITH RESPECT TO QUESTIONS ARISING UNDER
THIS TITLE UPON THE WRITTEN REQUEST OF A  CANDIDATE,  AN  OFFICER  OF  A
POLITICAL COMMITTEE OR MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC, OR UPON ITS OWN INITIATIVE.
THE  BOARD  SHALL PROMULGATE RULES REGARDING REASONABLE TIMES TO RESPOND
TO SUCH REQUESTS. THE BOARD SHALL MAKE PUBLIC THE QUESTIONS OF INTERPRE-
TATION FOR WHICH ADVISORY OPINIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE  BOARD  AND
ITS  ADVISORY  OPINIONS,  INCLUDING  BY  PUBLICATION ON ITS WEBPAGE WITH
IDENTIFYING INFORMATION REDACTED AS THE BOARD DETERMINES TO BE APPROPRI-
ATE.
  2. PUBLIC INFORMATION AND CANDIDATE EDUCATION. THE BOARD SHALL DEVELOP
A PROGRAM FOR INFORMING CANDIDATES AND THE PUBLIC AS TO THE PURPOSE  AND
EFFECT OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE, INCLUDING BY MEANS OF A WEBPAGE.
THE BOARD SHALL PREPARE IN PLAIN LANGUAGE AND MAKE AVAILABLE EDUCATIONAL
MATERIALS,  INCLUDING  COMPLIANCE MANUALS AND SUMMARIES AND EXPLANATIONS
OF THE PURPOSES AND PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE. THE BOARD SHALL PREPARE OR
HAVE PREPARED AND MAKE AVAILABLE MATERIALS,  INCLUDING,  TO  THE  EXTENT
FEASIBLE,  COMPUTER  SOFTWARE, TO FACILITATE THE TASK OF COMPLIANCE WITH
THE DISCLOSURE AND RECORD-KEEPING REQUIREMENTS OF THIS TITLE.
  3. RULES AND REGULATIONS.  THE  BOARD  SHALL  HAVE  THE  AUTHORITY  TO
PROMULGATE SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AND PROVIDE SUCH FORMS AS IT DEEMS
NECESSARY FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS TITLE.
  4.  DATABASE.  THE  BOARD  SHALL  DEVELOP  AN  INTERACTIVE, SEARCHABLE
COMPUTER DATABASE THAT SHALL CONTAIN ALL INFORMATION NECESSARY  FOR  THE
PROPER  ADMINISTRATION  OF  THIS TITLE INCLUDING INFORMATION ON CONTRIB-
UTIONS TO AND EXPENDITURES BY CANDIDATES AND THEIR AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE,
INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES IN SUPPORT  OR  OPPOSITION  OF  CANDIDATES  FOR
COVERED  OFFICES,  AND DISTRIBUTIONS OF MONEYS FROM THE FUND. SUCH DATA-
BASE SHALL BE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC ON THE BOARD'S WEBPAGE.
  5. THE BOARD'S PUBLIC FINANCING UNIT SHALL WORK WITH  THE  ENFORCEMENT
UNIT TO ENFORCE THIS SECTION.
  S 14-209. AUDITS AND REPAYMENTS.  1. AUDITS. THE BOARD SHALL AUDIT AND
EXAMINE  ALL MATTERS RELATING TO THE PROPER ADMINISTRATION OF THIS TITLE
AND SHALL COMPLETE SUCH AUDIT NO LATER THAN TWO YEARS AFTER THE ELECTION
IN QUESTION.  EVERY CANDIDATE WHO RECEIVES PUBLIC FUNDS UNDER THIS TITLE
SHALL BE AUDITED BY THE BOARD. THE COST OF COMPLYING WITH  A  POST-ELEC-
TION  AUDIT SHALL BE BORNE BY THE CANDIDATE'S AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE USING
PUBLIC FUNDS, PRIVATE FUNDS OR ANY COMBINATION OF SUCH  FUNDS.    CANDI-
DATES  WHO  RUN  IN  BOTH A PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTION MUST MAINTAIN A
RESERVE OF THREE PERCENT OF THE PUBLIC FUNDS RECEIVED TO COMPLY WITH THE
POST-ELECTION AUDIT.  THE BOARD SHALL ISSUE TO EACH CAMPAIGN  AUDITED  A
FINAL AUDIT REPORT THAT DETAILS ITS FINDINGS.

S. 6773                            15

  2.  REPAYMENTS.  (A)  IF  THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT ANY PORTION OF THE
PAYMENT MADE TO A CANDIDATE'S AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE FROM THE FUND WAS  IN
EXCESS  OF  THE  AGGREGATE  AMOUNT  OF  PAYMENTS THAT SUCH CANDIDATE WAS
ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE, IT SHALL NOTIFY SUCH COMMIT-
TEE  AND  SUCH  COMMITTEE  SHALL PAY TO THE BOARD AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE
AMOUNT OF EXCESS PAYMENTS. PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  THAT  IF  THE  ERRONEOUS
PAYMENT  WAS  THE  RESULT  OF  AN ERROR BY THE BOARD, THEN THE ERRONEOUS
PAYMENT WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM ANY FUTURE PAYMENT,  IF  ANY,  AND  IF  NO
PAYMENT IS TO BE MADE THEN NEITHER THE CANDIDATE NOR THE COMMITTEE SHALL
BE  LIABLE  TO  REPAY THE EXCESS AMOUNT TO THE BOARD. THE CANDIDATE, THE
TREASURER AND THE  CANDIDATE'S  AUTHORIZED  COMMITTEE  ARE  JOINTLY  AND
SEVERABLY LIABLE FOR ANY REPAYMENTS TO THE BOARD.
  (B)  IF THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT ANY PORTION OF THE PAYMENT MADE TO A
CANDIDATE'S AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE FROM THE FUND  WAS  USED  FOR  PURPOSES
OTHER  THAN  QUALIFIED  CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES AND SUCH EXPENDITURES WERE
NOT APPROVED BY THE BOARD, IT SHALL NOTIFY SUCH COMMITTEE OF THE  AMOUNT
SO  DISQUALIFIED  AND  SUCH  COMMITTEE  SHALL PAY TO THE BOARD AN AMOUNT
EQUAL TO SUCH DISQUALIFIED AMOUNT. THE CANDIDATE, THE TREASURER AND  THE
CANDIDATE'S  AUTHORIZED  COMMITTEE  ARE JOINTLY AND SEVERABLY LIABLE FOR
ANY REPAYMENTS TO THE BOARD.
  (C) IF THE TOTAL OF PAYMENTS FROM THE FUND RECEIVED BY A PARTICIPATING
CANDIDATE AND HIS OR HER AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE EXCEED THE TOTAL  CAMPAIGN
EXPENDITURES  OF SUCH CANDIDATE AND AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE FOR ALL COVERED
ELECTIONS HELD IN THE SAME CALENDAR YEAR OR FOR A  SPECIAL  ELECTION  TO
FILL A VACANCY, SUCH CANDIDATE AND COMMITTEE SHALL USE SUCH EXCESS FUNDS
TO REIMBURSE THE FUND FOR PAYMENTS RECEIVED BY SUCH AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE
FROM  THE  FUND  DURING SUCH CALENDAR YEAR OR FOR SUCH SPECIAL ELECTION.
PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES SHALL PAY TO THE BOARD UNSPENT PUBLIC  CAMPAIGN
FUNDS  FROM  AN  ELECTION  NOT  LATER  THAN  TWENTY-SEVEN DAYS AFTER ALL
LIABILITIES FOR THE ELECTION HAVE BEEN PAID AND IN ANY EVENT, NOT  LATER
THAN  THE  DAY  ON WHICH THE BOARD ISSUES ITS FINAL AUDIT REPORT FOR THE
PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE'S AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,  THAT
ALL UNSPENT PUBLIC CAMPAIGN FUNDS FOR A PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE SHALL BE
IMMEDIATELY  DUE  AND  PAYABLE  TO THE BOARD UPON A DETERMINATION BY THE
BOARD THAT THE  PARTICIPANT  HAS  DELAYED  THE  POST-ELECTION  AUDIT.  A
PARTICIPATING  CANDIDATE MAY MAKE POST-ELECTION EXPENDITURES WITH PUBLIC
FUNDS ONLY FOR ROUTINE ACTIVITIES INVOLVING NOMINAL COST ASSOCIATED WITH
WINDING UP A CAMPAIGN AND RESPONDING TO THE POST-ELECTION AUDIT.   NOTH-
ING  IN  THIS  TITLE SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO PREVENT A CANDIDATE OR HIS OR
HER AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE FROM USING CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED FROM
PRIVATE CONTRIBUTORS FOR OTHERWISE LAWFUL EXPENDITURES.
  3. THE BOARD SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF THE
AMOUNT OF FUNDS PAYABLE BY THE COMPTROLLER, FROM  THE  FUND  ESTABLISHED
PURSUANT  TO SECTION NINETY-TWO-T OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW, TO A PARTIC-
IPATING CANDIDATE THAT HAS QUALIFIED  TO  RECEIVE  SUCH  PAYMENT.  THESE
REGULATIONS  SHALL INCLUDE THE PROMULGATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FORMS ON
WHICH CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES ARE TO  BE  REPORTED,  THE  PERIODS
DURING  WHICH  SUCH REPORTS MUST BE FILED AND THE VERIFICATION REQUIRED.
THE BOARD SHALL INSTITUTE PROCEDURES WHICH WILL MAKE POSSIBLE PAYMENT BY
THE FUND WITHIN FOUR BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF THE  REQUIRED  FORMS
AND VERIFICATIONS.
  S   14-210.   ENFORCEMENT  AND  PENALTIES  FOR  VIOLATIONS  AND  OTHER
PROCEEDINGS.  1. CIVIL PENALTIES. VIOLATIONS OF ANY  PROVISION  OF  THIS
TITLE  OR  RULE PROMULGATED PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A
CIVIL PENALTY IN AN AMOUNT NOT IN EXCESS OF FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS.
  2. NOTICE OF VIOLATION AND OPPORTUNITY TO CONTEST. THE BOARD SHALL:

S. 6773                            16

  (A) DETERMINE WHETHER A VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION OF  THIS  TITLE  OR
RULE PROMULGATED HEREUNDER HAS BEEN COMMITTED;
  (B) GIVE WRITTEN NOTICE AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTEST BEFORE AN INDE-
PENDENT  HEARING  OFFICER  TO  EACH  PERSON  OR  ENTITY IT HAS REASON TO
BELIEVE HAS COMMITTED A VIOLATION; AND
  (C) IF APPROPRIATE, ASSESS PENALTIES FOR  VIOLATIONS,  FOLLOWING  SUCH
NOTICE AND OPPORTUNITY TO CONTEST.
  3.  CRIMINAL CONDUCT. ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY AND WILLFULLY FURNISHES
OR SUBMITS FALSE STATEMENTS OR INFORMATION TO THE  BOARD  IN  CONNECTION
WITH  ITS ADMINISTRATION OF THIS TITLE, SHALL BE GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR
IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER PENALTY AS MAY BE IMPOSED UNDER THIS CHAPTER OR
PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER LAW. THE BOARD SHALL SEEK TO  RECOVER  ANY  PUBLIC
MATCHING FUNDS OBTAINED AS A RESULT OF SUCH CRIMINAL CONDUCT.
  4. PROCEEDINGS AS TO PUBLIC FINANCING. (A) THE DETERMINATION OF ELIGI-
BILITY  PURSUANT  TO  THIS  TITLE  AND ANY QUESTION OR ISSUE RELATING TO
PAYMENTS FOR  CAMPAIGN  EXPENDITURES  PURSUANT  TO  THIS  TITLE  MAY  BE
CONTESTED  IN A PROCEEDING INSTITUTED IN THE SUPREME COURT, ALBANY COUN-
TY, BY ANY AGGRIEVED CANDIDATE.
  (B) A PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO SUCH A DETERMINATION  OF  ELIGIBILITY
OR  PAYMENT FOR QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER
SHALL BE INSTITUTED WITHIN FOURTEEN DAYS AFTER  SUCH  DETERMINATION  WAS
MADE. THE BOARD SHALL BE MADE A PARTY TO ANY SUCH PROCEEDING.
  (C)  UPON THE BOARD'S FAILURE TO RECEIVE THE AMOUNT DUE FROM A PARTIC-
IPATING CANDIDATE OR SUCH CANDIDATE'S  AUTHORIZED  COMMITTEE  AFTER  THE
ISSUANCE  OF  WRITTEN  NOTICE  OF  SUCH  AMOUNT DUE, AS REQUIRED BY THIS
TITLE, THE BOARD IS AUTHORIZED TO  INSTITUTE  A  SPECIAL  PROCEEDING  OR
CIVIL  ACTION  IN SUPREME COURT, ALBANY COUNTY, TO OBTAIN A JUDGMENT FOR
ANY AMOUNTS DETERMINED TO BE PAYABLE TO THE BOARD  AS  A  RESULT  OF  AN
EXAMINATION  AND  AUDIT  MADE  PURSUANT  TO THIS TITLE OR TO OBTAIN SUCH
AMOUNTS DIRECTLY FROM THE CANDIDATE  OR  AUTHORIZED  COMMITTEE  AFTER  A
HEARING AT THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
  (D) THE BOARD IS AUTHORIZED TO INSTITUTE A SPECIAL PROCEEDING OR CIVIL
ACTION  IN  SUPREME COURT, ALBANY COUNTY, TO OBTAIN A JUDGMENT FOR CIVIL
PENALTIES DETERMINED TO BE PAYABLE TO THE BOARD PURSUANT TO  THIS  TITLE
OR TO IMPOSE SUCH PENALTY DIRECTLY AFTER A HEARING AT THE STATE BOARD OF
ELECTIONS.
  S  14-211.  REPORTS. THE BOARD SHALL REVIEW AND EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF
THIS TITLE UPON THE CONDUCT OF ELECTION CAMPAIGNS  AND  SHALL  SUBMIT  A
REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE ON OR BEFORE JANUARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND NINE-
TEEN,  AND  EVERY  THIRD YEAR THEREAFTER, AND AT ANY OTHER TIME UPON THE
REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR AND AT SUCH  OTHER  TIMES  AS  THE  BOARD  DEEMS
APPROPRIATE. THESE REPORTS SHALL INCLUDE:
  1.  A  LIST  OF  THE  PARTICIPATING AND NONPARTICIPATING CANDIDATES IN
COVERED ELECTIONS AND THE VOTES RECEIVED  BY  EACH  CANDIDATE  IN  THOSE
ELECTIONS;
  2.  THE  AMOUNT  OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND LOANS RECEIVED, AND EXPENDITURES
MADE, ON BEHALF OF THESE CANDIDATES;
  3. THE AMOUNT OF PUBLIC MATCHING FUNDS  EACH  PARTICIPATING  CANDIDATE
RECEIVED, SPENT, AND REPAID PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE;
  4.  ANALYSIS  OF  THE  EFFECT  OF  THIS  TITLE ON POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS,
INCLUDING ITS EFFECT ON THE SOURCES AND AMOUNTS  OF  PRIVATE  FINANCING,
THE  LEVEL  OF CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES, VOTER PARTICIPATION, THE NUMBER OF
CANDIDATES, THE CANDIDATES' ABILITY TO CAMPAIGN EFFECTIVELY  FOR  PUBLIC
OFFICE,  AND  THE DIVERSITY OF CANDIDATES SEEKING AND ELECTED TO OFFICE;
AND

S. 6773                            17

  5. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AMENDMENTS TO THIS TITLE, INCLUDING CHANGES  IN
CONTRIBUTION  LIMITS, THRESHOLDS FOR ELIGIBILITY, AND ANY OTHER FEATURES
OF THE SYSTEM.
  S  14-212.  DEBATES  FOR  CANDIDATES FOR STATEWIDE OFFICE.   THE BOARD
SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO FACILITATE DEBATES  AMONG  PARTICIPATING
CANDIDATES  WHO SEEK ELECTION TO STATEWIDE OFFICE.  PARTICIPATING CANDI-
DATES ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN ONE DEBATE BEFORE EACH ELECTION FOR
WHICH THE CANDIDATE RECEIVES  PUBLIC  FUNDS,  UNLESS  THE  PARTICIPATING
CANDIDATE  IS RUNNING UNOPPOSED. NONPARTICIPATING CANDIDATES MAY PARTIC-
IPATE IN SUCH DEBATES.
  S 14-213. SEVERABILITY.  IF ANY CLAUSE, SENTENCE,  SUBDIVISION,  PARA-
GRAPH,  SECTION OR PART OF THIS TITLE BE ADJUDGED BY ANY COURT OF COMPE-
TENT JURISDICTION TO BE INVALID, SUCH JUDGMENT SHALL NOT AFFECT,  IMPAIR
OR INVALIDATE THE REMAINDER THEREOF, BUT SHALL BE CONFINED IN ITS OPERA-
TION  TO  THE  CLAUSE, SENTENCE, SUBDIVISION, PARAGRAPH, SECTION OR PART
THEREOF DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE  CONTROVERSY  IN  WHICH  SUCH  JUDGMENT
SHALL HAVE BEEN RENDERED.
  S  8. The state finance law is amended by adding a new section 92-t to
read as follows:
  S 92-T. NEW YORK STATE CAMPAIGN  FINANCE  FUND.  1.  THERE  IS  HEREBY
ESTABLISHED  IN  THE  JOINT  CUSTODY  OF  THE  STATE COMPTROLLER AND THE
COMMISSIONER OF TAXATION AND FINANCE A FUND TO BE KNOWN AS THE NEW  YORK
STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND.
  2.  SUCH FUND SHALL CONSIST OF ALL REVENUES RECEIVED FROM THE NEW YORK
STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND CHECK-OFF  PURSUANT  TO  SUBSECTION  (F)  OF
SECTION SIX HUNDRED FIFTY-EIGHT OF THE TAX LAW, FROM THE ABANDONED PROP-
ERTY  FUND  PURSUANT  TO  SECTION  NINETY-FIVE OF THIS ARTICLE, FROM THE
GENERAL FUND, AND FROM ALL OTHER MONEYS CREDITED OR TRANSFERRED  THERETO
FROM  ANY  OTHER  FUND  OR SOURCE PURSUANT TO LAW.  SUCH FUND SHALL ALSO
RECEIVE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS, OR  OTHER
PERSONS TO FULFILL THE PURPOSES OF THE PUBLIC FINANCING SYSTEM.
  3. MONEYS OF THE FUND, FOLLOWING APPROPRIATION BY THE LEGISLATURE, MAY
BE  EXPENDED  FOR THE PURPOSES OF MAKING PAYMENTS TO CANDIDATES PURSUANT
TO TITLE II OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THE ELECTION LAW AND FOR  ADMINISTRA-
TIVE  EXPENSES  RELATED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THE
ELECTION LAW. MONEYS SHALL BE PAID OUT OF THE FUND BY  THE  STATE  COMP-
TROLLER  ON  VOUCHERS  CERTIFIED  OR  APPROVED  BY  THE  STATE  BOARD OF
ELECTIONS,  OR  ITS  DULY  DESIGNATED  REPRESENTATIVE,  IN  THE   MANNER
PRESCRIBED BY LAW, NOT MORE THAN FOUR WORKING DAYS AFTER SUCH VOUCHER IS
RECEIVED BY THE STATE COMPTROLLER.
  4.  NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  PROVISION OF LAW TO THE CONTRARY, IF, IN ANY
STATE FISCAL YEAR, THE STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND LACKS THE  AMOUNT  OF
MONEY  TO  PAY ALL CLAIMS VOUCHERED BY ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES AND CERTIFIED
OR APPROVED BY THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, ANY SUCH  DEFICIENCY  SHALL
BE  PAID  BY  THE STATE COMPTROLLER, FROM FUNDS DEPOSITED IN THE GENERAL
FUND OF THE STATE NOT MORE THAN FOUR WORKING DAYS AFTER SUCH VOUCHER  IS
RECEIVED BY THE STATE COMPTROLLER.
  5.  COMMENCING  IN TWO THOUSAND SIXTEEN, IF THE SURPLUS IN THE FUND ON
APRIL FIRST OF THE YEAR AFTER A YEAR IN  WHICH  A  GOVERNOR  IS  ELECTED
EXCEEDS  TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE DISBURSEMENTS FROM THE FUND OVER THE
PREVIOUS FOUR YEARS, THE EXCESS SHALL REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND OF  THE
STATE.
  6.  NO PUBLIC FUNDS SHALL BE PAID TO ANY PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES IN A
PRIMARY  ELECTION  ANY  EARLIER  THAN  THIRTY  DAYS  AFTER   DESIGNATING
PETITIONS,  INDEPENDENT  NOMINATING  PETITIONS, OR CERTIFICATES OF NOMI-

S. 6773                            18

NATION HAVE BEEN FILED AND NOT LESS THAN  FORTY-FIVE  DAYS  BEFORE  SUCH
ELECTION.
  7.  NO PUBLIC FUNDS SHALL BE PAID TO ANY PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES IN A
GENERAL ELECTION ANY EARLIER THAN THE DAY AFTER THE DAY OF  THE  PRIMARY
ELECTION HELD TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES FOR SUCH ELECTION.
  8.  NO PUBLIC FUNDS SHALL BE PAID TO ANY PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES IN A
SPECIAL ELECTION ANY EARLIER THAN THE DAY AFTER THE  LAST  DAY  TO  FILE
CERTIFICATES OF PARTY NOMINATION FOR SUCH SPECIAL ELECTION.
  9.  NO  PUBLIC  FUNDS SHALL BE PAID TO ANY PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE WHO
HAS BEEN DISQUALIFIED OR WHOSE DESIGNATING PETITIONS HAVE BEEN  DECLARED
INVALID  BY  THE  APPROPRIATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS OR A COURT OF COMPETENT
JURISDICTION UNTIL AND UNLESS SUCH FINDING IS REVERSED BY A HIGHER COURT
IN A FINAL JUDGMENT.  NO PAYMENT FROM THE FUND IN THE POSSESSION OF SUCH
A CANDIDATE OR SUCH CANDIDATE'S PARTICIPATING COMMITTEE ON THE  DATE  OF
SUCH DISQUALIFICATION OR INVALIDATION MAY THEREAFTER BE EXPENDED FOR ANY
PURPOSE  EXCEPT  THE  PAYMENT  OF LIABILITIES INCURRED BEFORE SUCH DATE.
ALL SUCH MONEYS SHALL BE REPAID TO THE FUND.
  S 9. Section 95 of the state finance law is amended by  adding  a  new
subdivision 5 to read as follows:
  5.  NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  PROVISION  OF  THIS  SECTION AUTHORIZING THE
TRANSFER OF ANY MONEYS IN THE ABANDONED PROPERTY  FUND  TO  THE  GENERAL
FUND, IN JANUARY OF EACH YEAR IN WHICH A STATE GENERAL ELECTION IS TO BE
HELD  PURSUANT  TO LAW, OR AT LEAST SIX WEEKS PRIOR TO ANY STATE SPECIAL
ELECTION, THE COMPTROLLER, UPON WARRANT OR VOUCHER BY  THE  CHAIRMAN  OF
THE  CAMPAIGN FINANCE BOARD OR HIS OR HER DULY APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE,
SHALL TRANSFER MONEYS OF THE ABANDONED PROPERTY FUND INTO  THE  CAMPAIGN
FINANCE  FUND PURSUANT TO SECTION NINETY-TWO-T OF THIS ARTICLE. ON MARCH
THIRTY-FIRST OF THE YEAR FOLLOWING  SUCH  GENERAL  ELECTION  YEAR,  SUCH
CHAIRMAN  SHALL  TRANSFER  TO THE GENERAL FUND ANY SURPLUS MONEYS OF THE
CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND AS OF SUCH DATE.
  S 10. Section 658 of the tax law is amended by adding a new subsection
(f) to read as follows:
  (F) NEW YORK STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND CHECK-OFF. (1) FOR EACH TAXA-
BLE YEAR BEGINNING ON AND AFTER JANUARY FIRST,  TWO  THOUSAND  FOURTEEN,
EVERY  RESIDENT  TAXPAYER  WHOSE NEW YORK STATE INCOME TAX LIABILITY FOR
THE TAXABLE YEAR FOR WHICH THE RETURN IS FILED IS FORTY DOLLARS OR  MORE
MAY  DESIGNATE  ON  SUCH  RETURN THAT FORTY DOLLARS BE PAID INTO THE NEW
YORK STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND ESTABLISHED BY SECTION NINETY-TWO-T  OF
THE  STATE FINANCE LAW. WHERE A HUSBAND AND WIFE FILE A JOINT RETURN AND
HAVE A NEW YORK STATE INCOME TAX LIABILITY  FOR  THE  TAXABLE  YEAR  FOR
WHICH  THE  RETURN  IS FILED IS EIGHTY DOLLARS OR MORE, OR FILE SEPARATE
RETURNS ON A SINGLE FORM, EACH SUCH TAXPAYER MAY  MAKE  SEPARATE  DESIG-
NATIONS  ON  SUCH  RETURN  OF FORTY DOLLARS TO BE PAID INTO THE NEW YORK
STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE FUND.
  (2) THE COMMISSIONER SHALL TRANSFER TO THE  NEW  YORK  STATE  CAMPAIGN
FINANCE  FUND, ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION NINETY-TWO-T OF THE STATE
FINANCE LAW, AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO FORTY DOLLARS MULTIPLIED BY  THE  NUMBER
OF DESIGNATIONS.
  (3)  FOR  PURPOSES  OF THIS SUBSECTION, THE INCOME TAX LIABILITY OF AN
INDIVIDUAL FOR ANY TAXABLE YEAR IS THE AMOUNT OF TAX IMPOSED UNDER  THIS
ARTICLE  REDUCED  BY  THE  SUM  OF  THE  CREDITS (AS SHOWN IN HIS OR HER
RETURN) ALLOWABLE UNDER THIS ARTICLE.
  (4) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL INCLUDE A PLACE ON EVERY PERSONAL INCOME  TAX
RETURN  FORM TO BE FILED BY AN INDIVIDUAL FOR A TAX YEAR BEGINNING ON OR
AFTER JANUARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND FOURTEEN, FOR SUCH  TAXPAYER  TO  MAKE
THE  DESIGNATIONS  DESCRIBED  IN  PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS SUBSECTION. SUCH

S. 6773                            19

RETURN FORM SHALL CONTAIN A CONCISE EXPLANATION OF THE PURPOSE  OF  SUCH
OPTIONAL DESIGNATIONS.
  S  11.  Severability. If any clause, sentence, subdivision, paragraph,
section or part of title II of article 14 of the election law, as  added
by  section  seven  of  this  act  be adjudged by any court of competent
jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not  affect,  impair  or
invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation
to the clause, sentence, subdivision, paragraph, section or part thereof
directly  involved  in the controversy in which such judgment shall have
been rendered.
  S 12.  This act shall take effect immediately; provided, however,  all
state  legislative  candidates will be eligible to participate in volun-
tary public financing beginning with the 2016 primary election  and  all
other   state  candidates,  including  those  in  irregularly  scheduled
elections, will be eligible to particulate in voluntary public financing
beginning with the 2018 primary election.