Bill > A00764

This bill requires municipalities with a population of 500,000 or more to establish an Office of the Inspector General within one year of the bill's effective date. The inspector general, who will be appointed by the municipal governing body, will serve a four-year term and report to the secretary of the governing body. The office will have broad investigative powers, including receiving and investigating complaints about corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest, or abuse within municipal departments. The inspector general can subpoena witnesses, examine documents, and require municipal employees to answer questions about their official duties. Key responsibilities include conducting investigations, preparing public reports, recommending remedial actions, establishing training programs to prevent misconduct, and submitting an annual report detailing their work. Municipal employees will be required to promptly report any information about potential misconduct, and they will be protected from adverse personnel actions for making such reports. The inspector general will have the authority to examine municipal policies, recommend improvements, and monitor the implementation of their recommendations, with the goal of promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within local government.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A764