Ethics Laws and Regulations

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

This law governs ethics issues relating to the Legislative branch.  

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

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. 

This law is the State Code of Ethics and sets forth the standards to avoid conflict of interest. 

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

The purpose of these regulations is to establish the procedures and conditions for approval and acceptance of Honoraria by specified New York State officials and employees.

Regulation on acceptance of payments related to attendance and participation in private activities as part of the official duties of State employees. 

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.  

Gift Regulations for Public Officers subject to Public Officers Law § 73. 

Procedure for requesting an exemption from filing a Financial Disclosure Statement ("FDS").  FDS filers designated as policy-makers are unable to request an exemption from filing. (Effective 6/6/18.)

Procedure for requesting an extension of time for filing a Financial Disclosure Statement.  (Effective 6/6/18.)

Public Service Announcements with Covered Officials: Permissible and proper usage.  

Procedures for the Joint Commission on Public Ethics to receive and determine requests for exemption from the duty to publicly disclose client information in response to certain questions on the Financial Disclosure Statement. (Effective 6/6/18.)

These regulations were amended through an Emergency Adoption on January 25, 2022 and are in effect from January 25, 2022 to April 25, 2022. An additional Emergency Adoption was submitted on April 25, 2022, which now makes these regulations effective until June 24, 2022. Revisions increase transparency regarding agency operations and the status of long-standing investigations.  Among other things, they provide for expanded notification and disclosure to various parties, including the complainant, subject, witnesses, and others as appropriate, when the Commission takes action on a matter.  In addition, the revisions provide that the Commission may disclose confidential information, and staff may make certain general public statements, concerning investigative matters when it is in the public interest to do so.  Moreover, the regulatory amendments provide for additional investigative information to be released on a regular basis on the Commission’s website or in the Commission’s annual report, as appropriate. (Posted 1/28/2022)