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Bill

S 9557

Expands disclosure requirements for lobbyists

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shelley Mayer

Expands and strengthens lobbyist disclosure requirements to increase transparency about who is lobbying, on what issues, and related expenditures.

ADVANCED TO THIRD READING
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 9557

Summary — New York Senate Bill S 9557 (2025-2026)

Overview

  • Bill: S 9557
  • Jurisdiction: New York
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Title/Subject: Expands disclosure requirements for lobbyists
  • Status: Advanced to third reading (as of May 4, 2026)
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsor Shelley Mayer
  • Recent actions:
    • 2026-05-04: Advanced to third reading
    • 2026-04-29: Amended as 9557A; 2nd Report CAL.
    • 2026-04-28–04-29: Various calendar actions (1st and 2nd Report CALs)
    • 2026-03-25: Referred to Ethics and Internal Governance

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to expand and strengthen disclosure requirements for lobbyists operating in New York.
  • By widening what must be disclosed and potentially tightening reporting standards, the bill seeks to increase transparency around lobbying activities and influence on public policy.

Key Provisions (as proposed/amended)

Note: The exact text of the provisions may have been updated with the 9557A amendment. Based on typical scope of expansion measures, anticipated components include:
- Broader disclosure triggers: Expanded categories of information and activities that must be reported by lobbyists, beyond current statutory requirements.
- Expanded subject matter reporting: Greater detail on who is being lobbied (e.g., public officials, agencies), the issues or bills targeted, and the nature of the lobbying efforts.
- Enhanced disclosure of expenditures: More comprehensive reporting of lobbying expenditures, including vendor contracts, gifts, and other inducements tied to lobbying efforts, with specific reporting thresholds.
- Frequency and timing changes: Possible changes to filing frequency (e.g., more frequent reports or streamlined deadlines) to improve timeliness.
- Public availability and accessibility: Provisions to ensure reports are easily accessible to the public, potentially through online databases with searchable fields.
- Penalties and enforcement: Clarifications or enhancements to penalties for non-compliance and improved enforcement mechanisms.

Note: The exact provisions may differ slightly due to the 9557A amendment; the summary above reflects typical elements found in expansions of lobbyist disclosure requirements.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Lobbyists and lobbying firms operating in New York, including:
    • Individuals who advocate on behalf of clients to influence legislation, regulation, or government decision-making.
    • Organizations that employ or contract lobbyists.
  • Public officials and agencies who must receive, review, and respond to disclosed lobbying activity.
  • Clients of lobbyists (businesses, associations, non-profits, and other entities) who fund or direct lobbying activities.
  • The public and transparent governance advocates who rely on lobbyist disclosures to assess influence and policy processes.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Historical steps:
    • Referred to the Senate committee on Ethics and Internal Governance on 2026-03-25.
    • Underwent a first calendar (1st REPORT CAL.) and second calendar (2nd REPORT CAL.) review in late April 2026.
    • Amended as 9557A on 2026-04-29, indicating a modification to the bill’s text and provisions.
    • Advanced to third reading on 2026-05-04, signaling progress toward passage (third reading is typically near final approval in the chamber before cross-chamber action).
  • Next potential steps:
    • If advanced, the bill may proceed to a final floor vote in its current chamber (New York Senate) and then move to the Assembly or a conference committee, depending on the legislative process and any chamber-specific rules.
  • Effective date: The bill’s effective date would be specified in the enacted version; if not stated, it may take effect on the date prescribed in the final law (often 180 days after enactment or a date specified within the bill).

Potential Impacts and Implications

  • Transparency: Expect increased public access to lobbying information, improving accountability for influence on public policy.
  • Compliance burden: Lobbyists and firms may face more detailed reporting requirements and stricter timelines, potentially increasing administrative duties.
  • Enforcement: Stronger penalties or clearer enforcement guidelines may deter non-compliance and enhance enforcement capabilities.
  • Policy analysis: Researchers, journalists, and watchdog groups may gain richer data to analyze lobbying activity and its correlation with legislative outcomes.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, advocacy groups, or researchers) or incorporate the exact text of the 9557A amendment once available.

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

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