NYC CFB Releases Proposed Rules on Independent Expenditure Disclosure

The New York City Campaign Finance Board has released its proposed rules that would mandate the disclosure of independent expenditures.

CFB’s statement on the proposed rules argues that “a complete view of money in the political system requires disclosure of independent expenditures.”

Under the proposed rules, an independent spender must report an independent expenditure if it meets all of the three following criteria:

1. It is a public communication, this include any form of general advertising, but does not cover one-on-one communications;
2. It is either an express advocacy communication made any time during the election cycle, or an electioneering communication made within 90 days of an election; and
3. The independent spender’s total spending in the election cycle exceeds $1,000.

CFB’s proposed rules do not mandate disclosure of expenses related to internal communications, which was a major concern for unions.

Once the proposed rules are published in the City Record, CFB will announce a public hearing on the proposed rules and commence a 30-day public comment period.

The independent expenditure reporting requirement was approved by New York City voters in a November 2010 revision to the City Charter.