Overview
Ethics Officers provide a critical function in assisting the thousands of State officers and employees in navigating the State's ethics laws. The Public Officers Law and the Commission's ethics regulations create legal obligations for both agencies and their officers and employees. For this reason, each agency should designate an Ethics Officer to provide guidance to these individuals on compliance with the ethics laws.
In addition, the Ethics Officer is responsible for ensuring that both the agency and its personnel comply with the legal obligations related to the following subjects:
• Requirements for Financial Disclosure Statement Filers (“FDS Filers”)
• Mandatory Ethics Training
• Approvals for Outside Activities
• Approvals for Honoraria
• Approvals for Official Activity Expense Payments
• Acceptance of Gifts (including Widely Attended Event)
The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government is available as a resource to assist you in providing guidance to your agency on the ethics laws and regulations. We encourage you to contact us with questions or for confidential guidance on a specific matter.
Ethics Officer Reference Materials
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Responsibilities of the Agency Ethics Officer
The Public Officers Law and Commission's ethics regulations create legal obligations for both agencies and their officers and employees. For this reason, each agency should designate an Ethics Officer to provide guidance to these individuals on compliance with the ethics laws. This publication provides an overview of the role that Ethics Officers serve in that capacity.
Revised 9/10/2018
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Publications for Employees
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Guide to Leaving State Service
Quick reference guide to the restrictions and prohibitions that apply to State Officers and Employees that leave State service. General information on the 'Two Year Bar' and 'Lifetime Bar' are provided. For more detailed information, refer to the comprehensive 'Post-Employment Restrictions' plain language guide.
Revised 8/15/2022
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Quick Reference Guide to the State's Ethics Laws
A resource for those newly employed into State service. Provides an overview of the State's ethics laws including conflicts of interest, acceptance of gifts and outside employment. Recommended for distribution for all new public sector hires.
Effective through July 7, 2022
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Public Officers Law handbook for State Employees and Officials
This handbook contains in its entirety a comprehensive list of the State's ethics laws that apply to State officers and employees. Includes sections 73, 73-a, 74, 75, 76, 77 and 78 of the Public Officers Law which are required to those employees who must complete the Public Officers Law Section 78 Public Officer Oath/Affirmation provided by the New York Department of State.
Effective through July 7, 2022
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Commission's Guide to the Gift Regulations for State Officers and Employees
Plain language guide to help state officers and employees navigate the gift restrictions.
Revised 5/11/2020
Effective through July 7, 2022
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The Post-Employment Restrictions
Plain language guide to the restrictions that State officers and employees face once they leave State service including the two-year bar, and lifetime bars. Revised 3/13/2019
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Ethics Reminders and Guidance
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Ethics Reminder: Questions About Political Activities
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
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Ethics Reminder: Attorney of the Day
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: 'Tis the Season to Remember the Gift Rules
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Do You Need Ethics Training?
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: FDS Filing Reminder
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Running for Public Office
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Exchanging Holiday Gifts
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Poll Workers
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: COVID-19 and Working from Home
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Officer Guidance on Rental Property
The Commission periodically provides guidance to Ethics Officers on particular topics of interest. This document provides guidance on dealing with State employees who are policymakers and earn income through rental properties, and how that is impacted by regulations on outside activity.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Online Fundraising
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Ethics Training Obligations
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Student Interns and the Post-Employment Restrictions
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Accepting Textbooks
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: FDS Filings Due May 15
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Widely Attended Events
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Contracting with the State
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: What about the appearance?
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Campaign Season
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Nepotism
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Use of Agency Letterhead
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each Reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Work or volunteer outside the office?
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Tis the Season to Remember the Ethics Rules for Gifts
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Remember the 30-Day Rule
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Don't put former colleagues at risk
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
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Ethics Reminder: Just say no thank you to gifts
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
Download
Newsletters
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JCOPE Newsletter: 2021-22 Fall/Winter Edition
This edition of "The Ethics Review" focuses on state employees with outside businesses and whether they may be able to do business with the state.
Download
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JCOPE Newsletter: 2021 Summer Edition
This edition of "The Ethics Review" focuses on what happens with financial disclosure statements ("FDS") once they are submitted to JCOPE.
Download
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JCOPE Newsletter: 2020-2021 Fall/Winter Edition
This edition of "The Ethics Review" focuses on the two-year bar and determining your former agency after a reorganization or merger of State agency units or departments.
Download
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JCOPE Newsletter: 2020 Summer Edition
This edition of "The Ethics Review" focuses on stock ownership and potential conflicts of interest with a State position.
Download
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JCOPE Newsletter: 2019-2020 Fall/Winter Edition
This edition of "The Ethics Review" focuses on the gift regulations and restrictions.
Download
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JCOPE Newsletter: 2019 Spring/Summer Edition
This edition of "The Ethics Review" focuses on the two-year bar post-employment restrictions.
Download
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JCOPE Newsletter: 2018-2019 Fall/Winter Edition
This edition of "The Ethics Review" focuses on social media posting.
Download
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JCOPE Newsletter: 2017-2018 Fall/Winter
This edition of "The Ethics Review" focuses on the reverse two-year bar.
Download
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JCOPE Newsletter: 2017 Spring/Summer
This edition of "The Ethics Review" focuses on post-employment restrictions.
Download
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JCOPE Newsletter: 2016-2017 Fall/Winter
This edition of "The Ethics Review" focuses on the two-year and lifetime bars.
Download
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JCOPE Newsletter: 2016 Spring/Summer
This edition of "The Ethics Review" focuses on charitable and political fundraising restrictions.
Download
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JCOPE Newsletter: 2015-2016 Fall/Winter
This edition of "The Ethics Review" focuses on gift restrictions and exclusions.
Download
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JCOPE Newsletter: 2014 Fall
This edition of "The Ethics Review" focuses on politics in the workplace.
Download
FDS Instructional Material
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Financial Disclosure - An Overview on the Role of the Ethics Officer
Quick reference guide to the role of the Ethics Officer with respect to reporting and maintaining records for their respective agency with regards to the Financial Disclosure requirement as provided in Public Officers Law § 73-a.
Revised 1/16/2020
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Essential Functions of the FDS Online Filing System Presentation
PowerPoint training presentation used for the January 13, 2022 Ethics Forum on the FDS Online Filing System functions.
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Ethics Forum: FDS System Instructions
Video from Ethics Forum on January 13, 2022
Train-the Trainer Resources
Training Guidance for the Comprehensive Ethics Training Course ("CETC")
Important Notes:
- In requesting these training materials, you agree to not hide or delete slides, or alter or modify content on the slides. You may, however, add new slides with agency-specific information without seeking further approval from the Commission.
- The CETC currently satisfies the training requirements for both new employees and employees in need of refresher training.
How to deliver training
- This course is written so it may be delivered by anyone familiar with NYS ethics laws. The person delivering the course should familiarize him/herself with both the presentation and the trainer notes before the first session. Each slide may be read verbatim, or paraphrased and summarized according to the needs of your participants. The trainer notes are designed to assist the trainer in understanding the flow of the material and the primary teaching points. The notes are a guide however, and do not need to be read verbatim.
- Different agencies often have their own internal ethics policies. Feel free to use this as an opportunity to share those additional policies with your staff.
- The CETC is designed to take two hours, but may take you less time depending on the number of participants and how many questions they have.
- It is suggested that you create a sign-in sheet or some other documented attendance record to help track training compliance within your agency. After the training is concluded, participants should be given a certificate of completion signed by your agency Ethics Officer.
Record Keeping
- Training completion dates should be tracked internally by each agency. The training status for agency employees will need to be reported to the Commission. New procedures for tracking training requirements are under development.
Train-the-Trainer Resources
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Comprehensive Ethics Training Course PowerPoint
Disclaimer:
In utilizing these training materials, you agree to not hide or delete slides, or alter or modify content on the slides. You may, however, add new slides with agency-specific information without seeking further approval from the Commission.
Revised August 4, 2022
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CETC Trainer Notes
Ethics Officers or their training designees may use these training notes to train their required filers on the Comprehensive Ethics Training Course.
Revised July 8, 2022
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CETC Certificate of Completion for Ethics Officers
Ethics Officers are encouraged to fill out this certificate and distribute it to their employees once they have successfully taken the Comprehensive Ethics Training Course.
Revised July 8, 2022
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Ethics Forums
Ethics Forum: Third Party Gifts Training Materials
Ethics Forum: Personal Business with the State
Ethics Forums: Personal Business With the State
Ethics Forum: Politics in the workplace
Ethics Forum: Conflicts of Interest
Ethics Forum: Gift Exclusions
Ethics Forum: Post-employment Restrictions
Ethics Forum: Outside Activities
Contact The Education Team
Contact the Education team for information regarding the mandatory ethics training requirements for State employees, and individuals registered as lobbyists.
Contact us by phone:
Contact us by email:
Mailing Address:
New York State
Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government
540 Broadway
Albany, New York 12207