A bill (S.4910/A.A4668) sponsored by Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) and Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski (D-Rockland County) to require political groups to disclose who is behind political advertisements has passed the full Legislature.

In 2017, the state passed legislation prohibiting anonymous social media ads, however, state campaigns are still legally permitted to send out physical mailers, television spots, radio ads, and robocalls with complete anonymity. This bill will end anonymous mailings and require that all communications have a “paid for by” tag. Currently, anonymous mailings and advertising allow shadowy political operatives to avoid taking responsibility for the content of communications.

“‘Paid for by’ are three words synonymous with campaign advertising-- except in New York state politics,” said Senator James Skoufis. Most states already have laws requiring political communications disclose the sender’s identity, as does the federal government for congressional and presidential races; it’s about time New York State also gets on board. This bill is absolutely vital because voters deserve to know who is behind the campaign material they receive. Whether it’s in the mail, on television, or calls to one’s personal phone, voters should know the group responsible for any political advertisement. I’m proud to have worked on this bill with Assemblyman Zebrowski to close this egregious loophole.”