As part of the SFY 2014-15 State Budget, a new compliance unit was created within the New York State Board of Elections. This new unit was created based on a recognition that most candidates and elected officials who fail to file proper disclosures, or file inaccurate information, do so by mistake rather than out of a desire to evade the law. Therefore, the purpose of the compliance unit is to help candidates and elected officials navigate the reporting requirements of the Election Law, avoid mistakes, and correct errors before the need for an enforcement action arises.

This hearing will examine the current operations of the compliance unit including whether it has worked to improve compliance, what gaps continue to exist, and what additional steps can be taken to help make compliance more efficient. Additionally, the Committee wishes to receive testimony on what is being done on the local level to enhance compliance with the election law reporting requirements.

Oral testimony will be limited to five (5) minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in receiving written testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

MICHAEL CUSICK
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Election Law

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Persons invited to present testimony at, and those wishing to attend the public hearing on the operations of the compliance unit within the State Board of Elections are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email, or fax it to: