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Bill > A04700

NY A04700

Establishes the department of oversight and investigation, providing for its powers, duties and functions (Part A); relates to repealing provisions relating to the commission on ethics and lobbying in government; relates to repealing provisions relating to the office of the state inspector general (Part B); provides for the transfer of the functions, powers and duties of the commission on ethics and lobbying in government, the office of the state inspector general and the former temporary state

summary

Introduced
02/04/2025
In Committee
02/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 General Assembly

Bill Summary

AN ACT to amend the public officers law, in relation to establishing the department of oversight and investigation, providing for its powers, duties and functions (Part A); to repeal section 94 of the executive law relating to the commission on ethics and lobbying in government; and to repeal article 4-A of the executive law relating to the office of the state inspector general (Part B); in relation to providing for the transfer of the functions, powers and duties of the commission on ethics and lobbying in government, the office of the state inspector general and the former temporary state commission of investigation to the department of oversight and investigation (Part C); and to amend the civil service law and the legislative law, in relation to the commission on ethics and lobbying in government; to amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, in relation to membership on the franchise oversight board; to amend the executive law and the public authorities law, in relation to the state inspector general; to amend the criminal procedure law, the executive law and the public officers law, in relation to the former temporary state commission of investigation; to amend the public officers law, in relation to the commission on ethics and lobbying in government and the legislative ethics commission; to repeal subdivision 68 of section 2.10 of the criminal procedure law relating to the office of the state inspector general; and to repeal chapter 989 of the laws of 1958 creating a temporary state commission of investigation, relating thereto (Part D)

AI Summary

This bill establishes the Department of Oversight and Investigation (DOI), a new state agency designed to consolidate and streamline ethics oversight in New York government. The bill creates a 12-member Board of Public Integrity that will appoint a commissioner to lead the department, with members appointed by the Governor, Senate, and Assembly leadership. The DOI will have broad investigative powers, including the ability to investigate potential corruption, fraud, conflicts of interest, and ethical violations across state agencies, elected officials, legislators, lobbyists, and candidates. The department will have the authority to receive complaints, conduct investigations, issue advisory opinions, and impose civil penalties up to $40,000 for serious ethics violations. Importantly, the bill repeals the existing Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government and the Office of the State Inspector General, transferring their functions, employees, records, and assets to the new department. The DOI will be responsible for comprehensive ethics training, reviewing existing regulations, and publishing annual reports on its activities. The bill aims to create a more robust and centralized ethics enforcement mechanism for New York state government, with enhanced transparency and accountability measures.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

referred to governmental operations (on 02/04/2025)

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