NYS Senate Committee Approves Lobbying Law Changes
By: Joseph T. Burns
At a meeting held on March 4, 2026, the New York State Senate’s Ethics and Internal Governance Committee considered and approved four bills, clearing the path for the measures to be taken up later this session by the full Senate. Each bill considered by the committee would make changes to New York State’s lobbying laws.
Among the proposals approved by the Ethics and Internal Governance Committee are:
- S374, a bill requiring those who lobby for or against the nomination and/or confirmation of an individual to state office to register and disclose their lobbying activities with the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG);
- S2224-A, a bill exempting certain small nonprofits from registering and disclosing as lobbyists; and
- S5843, a bill requiring that lobbyists file all required filings and disclosures electronically.
S374 passed the State Senate in both 2024 and 2025, but it was never taken up by the Assembly during either year’s legislative session. In 2023, it was approved by both houses of the New York State Legislature but vetoed by Governor Kathy Hochul.
Bill S2224-A passed the State Senate last year. It was, however, never considered and voted on by the Assembly.
Like S374 and S2224-A, bill S5843 passed the State Senate in 2025. It was not, however, considered by the Assembly in 2025.
We will continue to monitor these and other proposals of interest as the 2026 New York State legislative session progresses. Those looking for legal advice on navigating New York State’s ethics and lobbying laws should feel free to reach out to one of our attorneys with experience in this area of law.
