Requires certain candidates to file a statement attesting to the veracity of statements regarding the candidate's educational history, and service, employment and residency record

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and 17 co-sponsors

Requires certain candidates to file a sworn attestation confirming the truth of education, service, employment, and residency statements with their election filings.

REFERRED TO ELECTION LAW

Summary of Bill A 3653

Basic information

Bill number: A 3653

Title: Requires certain candidates to file a statement attesting to the veracity of statements regarding the candidate's educational history, and service, employment and residency record

Status: REFERRED TO ELECTION LAW

Introduced: January 29, 2025

Classification: bill

Related bills: A 5358 (prior-session); S 2138 (companion)

Purpose and intent

A 3653 would require certain political candidates to file a sworn statement attesting to the truthfulness of statements about the candidate’s educational history, military or other service, employment, and residency. The goal appears to be to strengthen the accuracy and honesty of information candidates provide as part of their official filings or disclosures.

Key provisions (high level)

Applicability: The bill targets “certain candidates” (the precise scope and definition would be specified in the full text; not provided here).

Attestation requirement: Candidates would be required to submit a statement under oath (a sworn attestation) affirming the veracity of statements related to education, service, employment, and residency records.

Filing mechanics: The attestation would accompany the candidate’s official disclosures or filing materials submitted to election officials (exact forms and deadlines would be defined in the bill’s text).

Enforcement and penalties: Details on enforcement, remedies, or penalties are not provided in the available summary.

Who would be affected

Candidates for office who fall within the bill’s defined scope of “certain candidates.”

Election authorities responsible for accepting and processing candidate filings.

Voters and the public, who may rely on the additional attested information when evaluating candidates.

Procedural and timeline notes

The bill was introduced on January 29, 2025 and promptly referred to the Election Law committee, indicating its primary jurisdiction and a likely path for hearings and amendments within that committee.

It has a companion in the Senate (S 2138) and references a prior-session A 5358, suggesting related proposals exist across chambers or were considered in a prior session.

Additional context and next steps

The full text would define “certain candidates,” the exact form and timing of the attestation, and any penalties or remedies for noncompliance.

To assess practical impact, readers should review the bill’s language once available and monitor committee hearings or floor actions in the Election Law committee and the full legislative process.

For a broader view, compare with A 5358 and S 2138 to understand similarities, differences, and potential pathways toward enactment.