Requires mandatory training for certain treasurers of political committees

Title of bill

An act to amend the election law, in relation to requiring mandatory training for certain treasurers of political committees

Purpose

To require mandatory training of proper treasury conduct once per election cycle for treasurers of political committees with an average annual balance of more than twenty-five thousand dollars

Summary of provisions

Section one - amends section 14-118 of the election law by adding a new subdivision 4

Section Two sets forth the effective date

Justification

New York state does not currently require any official training for the treasurers of any political committee. There are numerous regulations, rules and laws that treasurers must follow, and the Board of Elections website provides much of the information necessary to do the job correctly. While the sites offer yearly handbooks and presentations on the requirements and changes, there is no guarantee that campaign treasurers take the time to read it. This bill would add the requirement that treasurers for campaigns with an average annual balance of more than $25,000 must take part in a mandatory training program once per election cycle. Requiring training will keep campaign treasurers up to date with any changes to protect candidates from any mishandling of campaign funds.

Legislative history

2015-16: S.4770, Referred to Elections.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately