CPI Website Notice

A notice has been posted to the Commission on Public Integrity (CPI) web site explaining the status of the state’s ethics laws now that the Public Integrity Reform Act has been signed into law.

The notice explains the CPI’s current (limited) jurisdiction, and the fact that the despite the changes the Public Officers Law and Lobbying Act remain in effect:

Public Officers Law §§73, 73-a and 74, Legislative Law Article 1-A (“Lobbying Act”) and Civil Service Law §107 remain in effect and compliance with these provisions is still required by law.

Under the Act, the Commission is no longer authorized to conduct investigations, impose discipline or provide advisory opinions. The Commission remains available, however, to serve the public in other ways. Specifically, during this interim period:

•    The Commission will continue to make publicly available records pursuant to and in accordance with Executive Law §94(17)(a).
•    The Commission will continue to accept, review and make publicly available annual statements of financial disclosure, which must still be filed pursuant to and in accordance with Public Officers Law §73-a.
•    The Commission will continue to accept, review and make publicly available filings and amendments, and process fees, required by the Lobbying Act.
•    Those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction seeking (i) informal guidance regarding the application of the Public Officers Law or the Lobbying Act to their circumstances; (ii) required Commission approval for an outside activity; or (iii) required Commission approval to accept travel reimbursement should continue to contact the Commission.
•    Online ethics and lobbying training will continue to be available, but the Commission will not be conducting instructor-led training.
•    The Commission will continue to accept complaints and advisory opinion requests, which will be transferred to JCOPE.
•    You may contact the Commission for these or any purpose via mail (540 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207), email ([email protected] ) or telephone (518-408-3976).