Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, R-Jamestown, has introduced legislation in the state Assembly that would make it harder for those who want to do business with New York state to donate to political campaigns.

The legislation, A.6585, has been referred to the Assembly’s Election Law Committee. There are no other sponsors for the legislation yet and no committee votes have been held.

Goodell’s proposal would set limitations on which entities can make campaign contributions to candidates for governor, attorney general and comptroller.

Individuals, corporations, limited liability corporations, lobbyists and other would not be allowed to donate to campaigns if they are under contract or seeking a contract from the state or a state agency that includes members appointed by the governor, attorney general or comptroller.

“Although public-private partnerships are incredibly important in promoting economic growth throughout New York state, flagrant corruption and exploitation of power has been displayed time and time again by state officials,” Goodell wrote in his legislative justification.

“Pay to play practices and bid rigging tactics were on display in state funded projects such as the Buffalo Billion economic development initiative, Crystal Run Healthcare and the Syracuse Film Hub. These are clear examples of institutional exploitation of power by state officials. Abuse and misconduct by individuals with significant say in the contract bidding process has created the need for greater openness in the contract bidding structure. This law would eliminate conflicts of interest which have historically violated the public’s trust in the impartiality of the state’s contract bidding process.”