laws

Ethics Laws and Regulations

Links to certain laws under the Commission's jurisdiction and related regulations.

Overview

This section includes the laws that govern the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government and its predecessor agency, as well as all of the ethics laws that impact State officers and employees, statewide elected officials and candidates for those offices; members of and candidates for the Legislature; and certain political party chairs.  Subject areas covered in the ethics laws includes conflicts of interest, restrictions on the activities of current and former State employees, restrictions on the acceptance of gifts. and the rules that apply after someone leaves State service.  Applicable regulations in varied subject matter areas are also included on this page.  

Governing Laws

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    Executive Law § 94

    This law governs the Joint Commission on Public Ethics and describes its functions, powers, and duties. 

    Effective through July 7, 2022

     

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Ethics Laws

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    Public Officers Law § 73 - JCOPE

    This law refers to restrictions on the business or professional activities of current and former State officers and employees and political party chairs.

    Effective through July 7, 2022

     

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    Public Officers Law § 73-a - JCOPE

    Public Officers Law Section 73-a includes information on who is require to file a FDS, the questions to be answered on a Financial Disclosure Statement, penalties for violating the section, and how to apply for filing exemptions or deletions. 

    Effective through July 7, 2022

     

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    Civil Service Law § 107

    This law, also known as the Little Hatch Act, prohibits certain political activities and against improper influence.

    Effective through July 7, 2022

     

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Ethics Regulations

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    19 NYCRR Part 932 - Outside Activities

    Regulation on the approval process for State officers and employees designated as policy makers to pursue outside employment or memberships in boards and other related activities other than their full time State employment.  

     

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Adjudication and Appeals

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    19 NYCRR Part 941 - Adjudicatory Proceedings and Appeals Process (2023)

    The regulations provide guidance and procedures regarding the conduct of adjudicatory proceedings and appeals for matters arising under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Part 941 is amended to conform the regulations governing the investigative and enforcement adjudicatory process to the new Section 94 of the Executive Law, as established by the Ethics Commission Reform Act of 2022.

    Adopted on 7/19/2023.

     

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Contact The Attorney of the Day

The Commission administers an "Attorney of the Day" program to help provide State officials and employees, lobbyists, and clients of lobbyists with free, confidential advice on navigating the State's ethics and lobbying laws. 

Contact us by phone:

Hotline - Press "2" to speak to the attorney of the day 800-87-ETHICS (800-873-8442)

Contact us by email:

Mailing Address:

New York State

Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government

540 Broadway 

Albany, New York 12207