The Commission was established by Chapter 813 of the Laws of 1987, the Ethics in Government Act of 1987, to monitor compliance with the State's ethics law as it applies to Statewide elected officials, the officers and employees of executive branch agencies, public benefit corporations and authorities, State University and City University of New York and certain political party chairs. The Commission is authorized to interpret and enforce the ethics law's provisions, receive and review financial disclosure statements and render advisory opinions on ethical issues raised by covered individuals.

The Commission also investigates violations of the ethics law and can impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 for willful violations or refer matters for criminal prosecution. To accomplish these tasks, the Commission is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations, to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance and require the production of books and records. The Commission annually reports to the Governor and the Legislature on its activities and may make recommendations for changes in the ethics law.   More detail...