JCOPE to Hold Forum on Outside Activities Regulations

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) is holding an “Open Forum” for state agency ethics officers on October 30^th (in person, and online) regarding “potential modifications to [JCOPE’s] existing regulations governing Outside Activities.”

Topics to be discussed will include “the two-tiered approval process, monetary thresholds for approval, restrictions on political activities, Board service, and the general scope of the regulatory regime.” JCOPE is also seeking “suggestions for additional topics related to outside activity regulations.”

The forum is part of JCOPE’s review of existing regulations and guidance, which was mandated in the 2011 ethics law reforms (Chapter 399 of 2015). JCOPE is required to prepare a report, in conjunction with the Legislative Ethics Commission, to the governor and Legislature regarding its review, and to propose regulatory and statutory changes. That report is due by February 15, 2015.

JCOPE’s current regulations on “outside activity” by public officials and employees [19 NYCRR Part 932] can be found here.