March 17, 2020 •
New York JCOPE Announces Extension for Bimonthly Reports
The New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics announced an extension for the submission of bimonthly lobbyist activity reports. This will allow the due date for the January to February reporting period to extend until Tuesday, March 31. JCOPE […]
The New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics announced an extension for the submission of bimonthly lobbyist activity reports.
This will allow the due date for the January to February reporting period to extend until Tuesday, March 31.
JCOPE extended the deadline due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns.
Effective immediately, JCOPE also suspended hand-delivery of paper filings to their Albany office until March 31.
As an alternative, filers may submit filings using the online filing system or via regular mail, provided filers use a sponge to seal the envelope.
This extension does not affect clients of lobbyists as statutory filings for client semiannual reports are not due until July 15.
March 17, 2020 •
NYC Mayor de Blasio Postpones Queens Special Election
On March 15, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the postponement of the Queens Special Election for Borough President scheduled for March 24. Mayor de Blasio postponed the special election due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns. No new date has been set […]
On March 15, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the postponement of the Queens Special Election for Borough President scheduled for March 24.
Mayor de Blasio postponed the special election due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns.
No new date has been set and acting Borough President Sharon Lee will continue her tenure until the special election is rescheduled.
March 16, 2020 •
New York Legislature Postpones Session
On March 16, the Legislature announced the postponement of the session until later this week due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns. Lawmakers hope to resume the session on Wednesday to take action on coronavirus legislation and the state budget. This will […]
On March 16, the Legislature announced the postponement of the session until later this week due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns.
Lawmakers hope to resume the session on Wednesday to take action on coronavirus legislation and the state budget.
This will not affect lobbyist reporting.
March 13, 2020 •
New York Judge Strikes Down Campaign Finance Reform Commission Recommendations
On March 12, Niagara County Supreme Court Judge Boniello struck down changes to the state’s election laws recommended by the Campaign Finance Reform Commission. The commission’s recommendations included the creation of a voluntary public campaign finance system. Additionally, it recommended […]
On March 12, Niagara County Supreme Court Judge Boniello struck down changes to the state’s election laws recommended by the Campaign Finance Reform Commission.
The commission’s recommendations included the creation of a voluntary public campaign finance system.
Additionally, it recommended setting new contribution limits to candidates for state public office.
The court found the Legislature improperly delegated legislative action powers to the commission, which is a function reserved solely to the Legislature under the state’s constitution.
The court noted the recommendations of the commission did not follow proper procedure as mandated by the constitution.
Historically, this is followed by lawmakers when it became law without further action by the Legislature.
After the ruling, lawmakers may accept and pass the commission’s recommendations into law by statute.
March 13, 2020 •
New York JCOPE Announces Accommodations for COVID-19
The New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) announced their policy on COVID-19 and lobbying filings. Upon request, JCOPE will grant reasonable extensions to filers who may not be able to meet the upcoming filing deadline due to […]
The New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) announced their policy on COVID-19 and lobbying filings.
Upon request, JCOPE will grant reasonable extensions to filers who may not be able to meet the upcoming filing deadline due to a COVID-19 issue.
If a filer misses the deadline due to COVID-19 related issues, please contact the JCOPE help desk at:
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- (518) 408-3976
- helpdesk@jcope.ny.gov
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Please contact as soon as possible to discuss a reasonable accommodation.
January 21, 2020 •
New York Special Election Will Coincide with Presidential Primary
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has set April 28 as the date for a special election for the 27th U.S. Congressional District, meaning the election will coincide with the state’s presidential primary election. The New York Republican Party sued to have the […]
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has set April 28 as the date for a special election for the 27th U.S. Congressional District, meaning the election will coincide with the state’s presidential primary election.
The New York Republican Party sued to have the election scheduled for an earlier date, but lost in the state Supreme Court.
The seat was vacated when Congressman Chris Collins, a Buffalo Republican, resigned after pleading guilty to insider trading.
State party leaders will pick the nominees for the special election.
January 13, 2020 •
US Supreme Court Denies Appeal: SEC Pay-to-Play Rule Remains
On January 13, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an order denying review of an appeal concerning the legality of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pay-to-play rule, allowing that rule to stand. Previously, on June 18, 2020, a federal appellate […]
On January 13, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an order denying review of an appeal concerning the legality of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pay-to-play rule, allowing that rule to stand.
Previously, on June 18, 2020, a federal appellate court had affirmed a lower court’s finding that the pay-to-play rule was legal.
In New York Republican State Committee v. SEC, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found the SEC’s Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Rule 2030 constitutional.
The rule prohibits a placement agent from accepting compensation for soliciting government business from certain candidates and elected officials within two years of having contributed to such an official’s electoral campaign or to the transition or inaugural expenses of a successful candidate.
The New York Republican State Committee and the Tennessee Republican Party had argued the SEC did not have authority to enact the rule, the order adopting the rule was arbitrary and capricious because there was insufficient evidence it was needed, and the rule violated the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.
January 7, 2020 •
Special Election Set for Borough President
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has scheduled a special election to be held on March 24 for Queens borough president. The seat became vacant when President Melinda Katz, a Democrat from Forest Hills, resigned to become Queens District […]
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has scheduled a special election to be held on March 24 for Queens borough president.
The seat became vacant when President Melinda Katz, a Democrat from Forest Hills, resigned to become Queens District Attorney.
January 3, 2020 •
New York Commission Launches System-Generated Client Semiannual Reports
On December 19, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics launched the system-generated Client Semiannual Report (CSA) feature on the state’s online Lobbying Application system. Contractual clients who lobby on their own behalf and do not utilize the services of any […]
On December 19, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics launched the system-generated Client Semiannual Report (CSA) feature on the state’s online Lobbying Application system.
Contractual clients who lobby on their own behalf and do not utilize the services of any retained lobbyists are not required to file CSA reports.
Instead, system-generated CSA reports will be created with information directly imported from filed lobbyist bimonthly reports covering the applicable reporting period.
The system will not create a system-generated CSA if an Employed Principal Lobbyist has submitted a CSA report for the January to June reporting period.
Also, contractual clients are still required to disclose sources of funding or indicate source of funding reporting is not required.
No filing fee is required for system-generated CSA reports except to add retained lobbyist information.
Adding retained lobbyists requires a $50 filing fee and filing CSA reports going forward.
December 5, 2019 •
New York Commission Announces Enforcement of Specificity Requirements
The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) announced the commission will require 2019 bimonthly reports due in September and later to include the level of specificity required by lobbying regulations. The commission will require lobbying activity information to […]
The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) announced the commission will require 2019 bimonthly reports due in September and later to include the level of specificity required by lobbying regulations.
The commission will require lobbying activity information to correctly disclose the focus type, focus (including the specific bill, resolution, or executive order), the identifying number, description of the focus, type of lobbying communication, and names of the party lobbied.
Lobbyists may be required to amend previously filed reports in September and November to comply with the specificity requirements.
JCOPE has produced a guideline, “How to Properly Disclose Lobbying Activities” on their website outlining the required information required for proper disclosure.
December 5, 2019 •
New York Campaign Finance Reform Commission Recommends Public Finance System, Lower Contribution Limits
The New York Campaign Finance Reform Commission released their report containing recommendations regarding the creation of a public campaign finance system and reforms to the state election laws. The commission proposes to create a voluntary public campaign finance system for […]
The New York Campaign Finance Reform Commission released their report containing recommendations regarding the creation of a public campaign finance system and reforms to the state election laws.
The commission proposes to create a voluntary public campaign finance system for statewide and legislative candidates.
The public campaign finance system establishes reporting requirements for participating candidates and sets initial eligibility requirements for the program.
The commission also proposed lowering campaign contribution limits for candidates seeking statewide office to $18,000.
Contribution limits for candidates seeking the office of state senator and assembly member would also be lowered to $10,000 and $6,000, respectively.
Contribution limits would be divided equally between primary and general elections and applied to both participating and nonparticipating candidates in the proposed public campaign finance system.
The commission’s recommendations become effective December 22, unless the Legislature supersedes the report’s proposals by statute.
November 14, 2019 •
New York JCOPE Correspondence Clarifies Client Report Due Date
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) sent out a statement clarifying an earlier email reminder regarding lobbyist bimonthly filings due this week. The previous email reminder was sent out to JCOPE’s distribution list containing clients, lobbyists, and other entities […]
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) sent out a statement clarifying an earlier email reminder regarding lobbyist bimonthly filings due this week.
The previous email reminder was sent out to JCOPE’s distribution list containing clients, lobbyists, and other entities no longer registered in New York.
The email reminder was only relevant for lobbyists filing bimonthly reports covering the period of September through October.
Client filings are not due again until January 15, 2020.
November 6, 2019 •
New York City Voters Approve Ethics Ballot Question
On Election Day, voters approved Ballot Question 3, Ethics and Governance. The proposal amends the city charter by extending the post-employment appearance ban for elected officials and senior appointed officials. Additionally, the proposal limits political activity and donations by members […]
On Election Day, voters approved Ballot Question 3, Ethics and Governance.
The proposal amends the city charter by extending the post-employment appearance ban for elected officials and senior appointed officials.
Additionally, the proposal limits political activity and donations by members of the Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB).
City elected officials and senior appointed officials will be prohibited from appearing before the agency or branch of government they served in after leaving service for two years. The current rule is one year.
The amendment would also prohibit members of the COIB from participating in campaigns for local elected office.
Furthermore, the amendment reduces the maximum amount members can contribute in each election cycle.
The post-employment ban would become effective January 1, 2022.
October 3, 2019 •
US District Court Finds New York Donor Disclosure Rules Unconstitutional
On October 1, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled state laws enacted in 2016 requiring disclosure of donors to tax exempt organizations to be invalid. In Citizens Union of the City of New York, […]
On October 1, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled state laws enacted in 2016 requiring disclosure of donors to tax exempt organizations to be invalid.
In Citizens Union of the City of New York, et al., v. Attorney General of the State of New York, the U.S. District Court found provisions in the state’s ethics laws requiring entities exempt from federal taxation under 26 USC §§501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) to publicly report donors under certain circumstances to be unconstitutional.
The district court found the disclosure of funding sources requirement for 501(c)(3) entities making an in-kind donation over $2,500 to a 501(c)(4) entity engaged in lobbying violates the First Amendment because it chills speech and burdens donors’ rights to free association and privacy.
The district court also struck down the rule requiring 501(c)(4) to publicly disclose donors if the entity makes a public statement that refers to the position of an official regarding any potential legislation.
The second provision was found to intrude on donors’ right to express opinions anonymously.
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