A comprehensive overview of the Public Officers Law and other related ethics laws, presented in a plain language format.  An excellent resource for seasoned state employees and new hires entering State service for the first time. 

Revised 11/10/2023

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. 

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

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 8/16/2022

This handbook contains in its entirety the State's ethics laws and regulations that apply to State officers and employees.  It includes sections 73, 73-a, 74, 75, 76, 77 and 78 of the Public Officers Law, which apply to those employees who must complete the Public Officers Law Section 78 Public Officer Oath/Affirmation provided by the New York Department of State.

In addition, the handbook includes in its entirety the State's lobbying laws and regulations that apply to lobbyists, clients and others. This includes Legislative Law Article 1-A, also known as the Lobbying Act. 

Also, included in the handbook are Legislative Law Article 5 section 80 (regarding the Legislative Ethics Commission),Civil Service Law Section 108 (which prohibits against certain political activities), and Legislative Law Article 5-b (which places outside income restrictions on members of the Legislature). 

Finally, the handbook features Executive Law Section 94, which created the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government. 

For best results when printing, select double-sided and 'Fit' in the 'Page Sizing & Handling' menu item. Please note, the document is 351 pages. Links to each section of the document are included in the Table of Contents.

Revised 9/10/24

Looking to Contact COELIG's Attorney of the Day? Find out how with this Ethics at a Glance document!

Are state employees allowed to accept gifts? Read the latest Ethics in a Glance on gifts to find out. 

Are you looking for a new job? Remember the 30-day rule!

Can a state employee participate in employment decisions regarding their relative? Learn about the nepotism restrictions here!

Can state employees exchange holiday gifts in the office? View this edition of Ethics at a Glance to review the gift exchange restrictions!

Are state employees allowed to be poll workers? Here is what you need to know if you wish to serve as a poll worker during election season.

Don't put your former colleagues at risk! View this edition of Ethics at a Glance to review the post-employment restrictions.

Does your outside business want to sell it's goods or services to a state agency? Here's what a state employee can and can't do when contracting with the state. 

SUNY and CUNY employees can view this edition of Ethics at a Glance to understand the specific gift rules that apply to free textbooks from publishers. 

Are you a state employee who works from home? The ethics rule still apply whether at home or in the office!