After its regularly scheduled meeting today, the New York City Campaign Finance Board issued for public comment revised proposed rules and a report on the disclosure of independent expenditures in City elections.
- The revised proposed rules and a plain language guidance document can be found here (pdf).
- A report on independent expenditures in New York City elections and the issues involved in drafting the rules for disclosure is also available (pdf).
- A summary of the changes in the proposed rules from September can be viewed here (pdf).
The Board will accept written comments on the revised proposed rules. The final rules will be adopted at a subsequent meeting of the Board. Written comments can be submitted to Executive Director Amy Loprest at IEMail@nyccfb.info until March 2, 2012, at 5PM.
Background: On November 2, 2010, New York City voters approved a ballot referendum to require public disclosure of independent expenditures made to influence the outcome of City elections. The Charter directs the Campaign Finance Board to promulgate rules to administer this new requirement.
The new disclosure will ensure that City voters will know who is spending money on television commercials, mass mailings, and other communications that can impact City elections. As the issue has been the focus of deep public interest, the Board embarked on an unprecedented process to engage the public around the issue.
On March 10, 2011, the Board held the first of two public hearings to solicit input into its rulemaking on the new disclosures. A total of 13 individuals and groups submitted testimony. On October 27, the Board conducted a public hearing on the proposed rules issued in September. Fifty-six individuals or groups submitted or delivered testimony to the Board on the proposed rules.
For further information about independent expenditures in City elections, download the CFB’s post-election report for the 2009 election cycle, New Yorkers Make Their Voices Heard (pdf).