The Legislative Ethics Commission was created by the Public Employees Ethics Reform Act of 2007 (Chap. 14, L. 2007) which was signed into law on March 26, 2007. This legislation expanded the former Legislative Ethics Committee and revised the provisions of the Public Officers Law under the Commission's jurisdiction.

The Legislative Ethics Commission's duties include administration and enforcement of the provisions of Public Officers Law §§ 73, 73-a and 74 for members and employees of the legislature and candidates for state legislative office. The Commission is authorized to issue advisory opinions and adjudicate complaints on violations of these laws. The Commission also maintains financial disclosure statements of those who serve or seek to serve in the legislature. A complete description of the duties and powers of the Commission can be found in Legislative Law § 80.

The Commission is comprised of nine members. Each of the four legislative leaders appoints one legislative and one non-legislative member. The fifth non-legislative member is appointed jointly by the Assembly Speaker and the Senate Majority Leader. The legislative members serve two-year terms concurrent with their legislative terms. The terms of the non-legislative members are staggered.

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UPDATE - Decision and Notice of Civil Assessment for Pedro Espada Jr. - posted May 4, 2012