Steps to file a Complaint

Any person may file a complaint with the Commission. The complaint should identify the individual or entity (respondent) alleged to have violated the law, include any facts or evidence that allege a violation of State ethics laws in Public Officers Law § 73, § 73-a, § 74, the "Little Hatch Act" in Civil Service Law § 107, or the "Lobbying Act" in Legislative Law Article 1-A.

All complaints are reviewed by the Commission.

Complaint Requirements

A complain t should be written and conform to the following format:

• The complaint should identify any individuals or entities that are the subject of the complaint.
• The complainant may choose to remain anonymous. If the complainant is identified, contact information should also be included.
• The complaint must allege facts constituting a violation of law under the Commission’s jurisdiction (Public Officers Law § 73, § 73-a, § 74, Civil Service Law § 107, or Legislative Law Article 1-A) and should include, insofar as known, the date, time, and place of any alleged violation
• The complainant should include copies of any documentation or exhibits in his or her possession at the time the complaint is filed to support the allegations contained in the complaint.

Confidentiality

A complaint, upon filing, becomes a confidential record of the Commission and generally remains so unless and until the Commission concludes there was a violation of the above law(s) and issues a Report. In some instances, the Commission may, after taking into consideration certain factors outlined in the Commission regulations, vote to make some investigative information public.