Requiring disclosures on third-party public communications paid for with government resources.

This bill would prohibit any public servant from using or authorizing the use of governmental funds or resources for third-party public communications unless the communication includes a disclosure. Third-party public communications would include any content posted on an internet website, digital application, or social media platform where the author of the content is not a public servant or agency, or the author is not clearly identified as a public servant or agency. Required disclosures would need to include the language “Paid Partnership with” followed by “the City of New York” or the name of the associated agency. This bill would make an intentional or knowing violation of this requirement by a public servant punishable as a misdemeanor. The Campaign Finance Board and the Conflicts of Interest Board would also have the power to investigate potential violations and assess civil penalties.