NYPIRG Criticizes SBOE for Failure to Act on Independent Expenditure Regulations

The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) is criticizing the state Board of Elections for failing to meet a statutory deadline to issue regulations relating to the disclosure of independent campaign expenditures.

Under the Public Integrity Reform Act of 2011 (Chapter 399), such regulations should have been issued by January 1. Section 1 of Part E of Chapter 399 provides:

Section  1.  The state board of elections shall, no later than January 1, 2012, issue regulations setting forth and implementing  the  requirements  under  existing law for individuals, organizations, corporations, political committees, or any other entities to disclose independent expenditures made for advertisements or any other type of advocacy that expressly identifies a political candidate or ballot proposal.  Such regulations shall require such disclosure to the fullest extent of the law.

The regulations are intended to clarify the rules regarding disclosure of funds expended by or provided to independent campaign entities — rather than to candidates or party committees.  Good government groups are concerned that political spending by independent groups is increasing, and that clarity regarding their duty to disclose is needed.

In a statement, Bill Mahoney, NYPIRG’s the legislative coordinator, said:

“This is the latest example of the need to restructure the oversight of the state’s campaign finance laws and ensure that sufficient resources are available for implementation and enforcement of the laws.”