S7883

The New York State Senate passed legislation expanding lobbying disclosure requirements to groups advocating for or against judicial nominees, with a 44-17 vote along largely party lines. Senate Print 7883, sponsored by Sen. Michael Gianaris, removes a retroactivity provision from a prior version that was vetoed by the governor, making the disclosure requirements prospective only. The bill emerged following controversy over spending by advocacy groups during the failed nomination of Judge Hector La Salle to chief judge of the Court of Appeals. Sen. Gianaris argued the measure creates transparency parity with existing lobbying disclosure laws for legislation, applying equally to all advocacy groups regardless of political orientation. However, Sen. Palumbo, who had previously supported similar legislation, reversed his position and voted against the bill, characterizing it as politically motivated retaliation against Latino advocacy organizations that opposed La Salle's nomination. Palumbo noted that the Center for Community Alternatives, a nonprofit that lobbied against La Salle, had similarly opposed Judge Madeline Singas's nomination without triggering calls for disclosure requirements. Gianaris countered that the bill applies only prospectively and that all groups would face identical disclosure obligations. The measure passed with support from the Democratic majority, while Republicans and Palumbo joined in opposition.