Requires the disclosure of the reporting of the individual's potential conflicts of interests in outside employment in financial disclosure statements

BILL NUMBER:A9519

Title of bill

An act to amend the public officers law, in relation to enacting the "conflicts of interest disclosure act"

Purpose or general idea of bill

The purpose of this bill is to prevent elected officials from blurring the line between their private financial interests and their responsibilities as public officials.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends subparagraph a of paragraph 5 of subdivision 3 of section 73-a of the public officers law to require the individuals completing the disclosure to list the name, address and description of any client, customer or employer who is regulated by, or does regular business with, any state or local agency, or who lobbies the legislature or executive branch of state government, and to list such agency and lobbying activity. Section 2 provides for the act to take effect immediately.

Justification

The recent indictments of two former legislators for engaging in so-called consulting work that amounted to nothing more than being paid to perform their legislative duties calls for greater transparency in legislators' private sector relationships, including the disclosure of specific clients who have business before the state or the legislature.

Prior legislative history

New Legislation.

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

none.

Effective date

Immediately.