What's happening
This bill requires mandatory and periodic training for political committee treasurers on campaign finance regulations, provided by the state board of elections.
Why it matters
Improves compliance and reduces mistakes. By requiring treasurers to complete state-approved training soon after appointment and periodically thereafter, the bill aims to ensure they fully understand complex campaign finance laws, reducing the risk of accidental violations that could undermine public trust.
Supports ongoing education. The training requirement every three years recognizes that campaign finance rules can change, so periodic instruction helps treasurers stay current with legal updates and best practices.
Accessible training options. Mandating that training be available in a web-based recorded format increases accessibility, making it easier for treasurers to comply regardless of schedule or location.
Emphasizes corrective over punitive measures. The bill allows for remedial training to be used as an alternative or supplement to civil penalties, focusing on education and correction rather than just punishment for violations.
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Who cares
Political committee treasurers
They would have to complete state-provided campaign finance training within 45 days of first appointment and take refresher training every three years.
State Board of Elections
The board would establish and provide the training, offer a recorded web-based option and send delinquency notices to treasurers who miss training deadlines.
Candidates supported by political committees
They would receive notice when their committee’s treasurer fails to complete required training.
Treasurers facing campaign finance civil penalties
Remedial training could be included in a court order or settlement agreement instead of, or in addition to, civil penalties.
Headline styles
Require Treasurer Training
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 38
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to elections
- Referred to elections
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Require Training for Campaign Treasurers
In Assembly Committee · Ways And Means · Sponsor Sandy Galef
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
S. 3236 A. 4551
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
SENATE - ASSEMBLY
February 4, 2019
IN SENATE -- Introduced by Sen. CARLUCCI -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Elections
IN ASSEMBLY -- Introduced by M. of A. GALEF, BLAKE, SEAWRIGHT -- read once and referred to the Committee on Election Law
AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to providing for mandatory training curriculum for treasurers of political committees
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The election law is amended by adding a new section 14-119 to read as follows:
§ 14-119. Mandatory training for treasurers of political committees. 1. Treasurers shall, within forty-five days after being first appointed as a treasurer, complete a course of instruction provided by the state board of elections on the requirements of this article and the campaign finance regulations of the board of elections. The curriculum shall be established by the state board of elections and shall not exceed three hours of instruction.
2. Treasurers once every three years shall complete a course of instruction provided by the state board of elections to assist treasurers in continuing to comply with the requirements of this article and the campaign finance regulations of the board of elections. The curriculum shall be established by the state board of elections and shall not exceed one and one-half hours of instruction.
3. The state board of elections shall provide the training required by subdivisions one and two of this section through, in addition to other methods it may choose, a web-based recorded format.
4. Upon the failure of a treasurer to complete the instruction within the time required by this section, the state board of elections shall send a delinquency notice to the treasurer on notice to the candidate or
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00242-01-9
S. 3236 2 A. 4551
candidates supported by the committee, if applicable, requiring the treasurer to come into compliance with the training obligations of this section.
5. In lieu of or in addition to civil penalties imposed pursuant to this article, participation in remedial training as an alternative may be provided for as part of a court order or settlement agreement.
§ 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2021.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the election law, in relation to providing for mandatory training curriculum for treasurers of political committees
Purpose or general idea of bill
The purpose of this legislation is to mandate training for treasurers of political committees.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:;
Section 1. A new section 14-119 is added to the Election Law. § 14-119. Mandatory training for treasurers of political committees. 1. Within 45 days of being appointed, a treasurer must complete a course of instruc- tion as provided by the State Board of Elections. 2. Treasurers must complete a course once every three years. 3. The State Board of Elections shall provide the training required by subdivision two of this section, which may be in a web-based recorded format. 4. Upon the fail- ure to complete the instruction within the time required, the State Board of Elections shall send a delinquency notice to the treasurer on notice to the candidate or candidates supported by the committee, if applicable, requiring the treasurer to come into compliance with the training obligations of this section. 5. In lieu of or in addition to civil penalties imposed pursuant to this article, participation in reme- dial training as an alternative may be provided for as part of a court order or settlement agreement.
Section 2. Establishes the effective date.
Difference between original and amended version (if applicable)
This portion of the memorandum is not applicable at this time.
Justification
The work of a campaign treasurer is to keep records and make disclosures as required by law, which is a significant task. This legislation is crucial in assisting treasurers in acquiring the knowledge they need to carry out their duties to the best of their ability.
Prior legislative history
A. 2774-A and S. 1034-B of 2017/2018 A. 9558-A and S. 6886-A of 2015/2016
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
There will be fiscal implications associated with the passage of this legislation. However, they are expected to be minimal.
Effective date
This act shall take effect July 1,2021.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.