Prohibits a state or local authority, or subsidiary thereof, from retaining, contracting, employing, or designating a lobbyist to engage in lobbying; allows for the cancellation of pre-existing contracts.
Impact
The implications of this bill are substantial concerning state laws and the functioning of public authorities. By prohibiting the use of lobbyists, public authorities may avoid the appearance of impropriety that often accompanies lobbying activities. This change could contribute to more direct and accountable governance, as governmental actions would be less influenced by external lobbyist interests. Furthermore, it also serves as a means to foster enhanced trust within the public regarding how governmental decisions are made and who is influencing them.
Summary
Bill S07681 seeks to amend the public authorities law by imposing a prohibition on state and local authorities from retaining, contracting, employing, or designating anyone to engage in lobbying activities. This legislation aims to streamline governmental operations by eliminating the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from governmental entities using lobbyists. The bill further allows for the cancellation of pre-existing contracts for lobbying services without penalties, which signifies a decisive move towards greater transparency and integrity within public authorities.
Contention
While supporters argue that S07681 will promote ethical governance and diminish the potential for corruption, critics may contend that this measure could impair the ability of public authorities to receive important information and expertise from specialized lobbying professionals. Opponents may fear that the absence of lobbyists could limit the insight available to lawmakers, thereby hindering their ability to make informed decisions on complex issues. This dichotomy indicates a potential point of contention as stakeholders weigh the benefits of increased transparency against the need for expert outside input.
Authorizes the commission on ethics and lobbying in government to provide a training course concerning anti-sexual harassment training for lobbyists; requires lobbyists to complete the course annually.
Prohibits lobbyists who are convicted of or plead guilty to class D felonies or higher level crimes from acting as a lobbyist for a period of three years from the date of the conviction; provides the authority to extend suspensions; entitles such lobbyist to a hearing upon application for suspension extension.
Requires residential real property managers or any firm employing a property manager, contracting with a property manager or contracting to provide a property manager to file a registration statement with the secretary of state and to be certified from an approved certifying organization.
Provides access to medication abortion prescription drugs at SUNY and CUNY campuses by employing or contracting with individuals authorized to prescribe such drugs, or by providing referrals.
Provides access to medication abortion prescription drugs at SUNY and CUNY campuses by employing or contracting with individuals authorized to prescribe such drugs, or by providing referrals.
Prohibits any entity which is contracted to operate the Long Island power authority from lobbying; requires Long Island power authority employees be residents of such authority's service area.
Provides for limitations on investments of public pension funds and state contracts; prohibits the investment of the available monies of the common retirement fund in any stocks, securities, equities, assets or other obligations of any corporation or company, or any subsidiary, affiliate or parent of any corporation or company, engaged in the boycott of Israel, including Iran-restricted companies and Sudan-restricted companies; prohibits any firm, partnership or corporation that boycotts Israel, that is an Iran-restricted company or that is a Sudan-restricted company from contracting with the state.
Prohibits the formation of a subsidiary of a public authority without prior approval of the legislature; allows the formation of a subsidiary of a public authority without prior approval of the legislature if such public authority files a written notice sixty days prior to the organization of such subsidiary with the governor and the legislature.
Prohibits the formation of a subsidiary of a public authority without prior approval of the legislature; allows the formation of a subsidiary of a public authority without prior approval of the legislature if such public authority files a written notice sixty days prior to the organization of such subsidiary with the governor and the legislature.