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Bill

Bill

A 910

Enacts the "corporate political activity accountability to shareholders act"

2025 Regular Session Introduced by William Colton and 4 co-sponsors

Bill A 910 mandates corporations disclose political spending and obtain shareholder approval, enhancing transparency and accountability in corporate political activities.

REFERRED TO ELECTION LAW
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 910

Summary of Bill A 910: Corporate Political Activity Accountability to Shareholders Act

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 910, titled the "Corporate Political Activity Accountability to Shareholders Act," aims to enhance transparency and accountability regarding corporate political contributions and activities. The primary intent of the bill is to ensure that shareholders are informed about how their companies engage in political activities, thereby allowing them to hold corporate management accountable for such decisions.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions designed to regulate corporate political activities:

  • Disclosure Requirements: Corporations would be required to disclose all political contributions and expenditures made in support of or opposition to political candidates, parties, or ballot initiatives. This includes both direct contributions and indirect expenditures through third-party organizations.

  • Shareholder Approval: Before engaging in political activities, corporations would need to obtain approval from their shareholders. This provision aims to empower shareholders by giving them a voice in corporate political spending.

  • Reporting Mechanism: The bill mandates the establishment of a reporting mechanism where corporations must file regular reports detailing their political activities. These reports would be made accessible to shareholders and the public.

  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: Corporations that fail to comply with the disclosure and approval requirements may face penalties, which could include fines or restrictions on future political activities.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects:

  • Corporations: All corporations engaged in political activities would need to adjust their practices to comply with the new disclosure and approval requirements.

  • Shareholders: The legislation aims to empower shareholders by providing them with greater oversight and control over corporate political spending.

  • Political Candidates and Parties: The bill may influence the dynamics of political funding, as corporations would be more transparent about their contributions.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on January 8, 2025.

  • Current Status: As of the latest update, Bill A 910 has been referred to the Election Law committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: This bill is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions, including A 289, A 7287, and others. It also has a companion bill, S 4266, which may provide additional legislative support or alternative approaches to the same issues.

Conclusion

Bill A 910 seeks to create a framework for greater accountability in corporate political activities, ensuring that shareholders are informed and have a say in how their companies engage in the political process. By mandating disclosure and requiring shareholder approval, the bill aims to promote transparency and responsible corporate governance in political spending.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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