Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:13D-21(e)(3), the State Ethics Commission’s Ethics Compliance Officer is required to conduct systematic reviews of State agencies in the Executive Branch for compliance with laws, regulations, codes, orders, procedures, advisory opinions, and rulings concerning the ethical standards for State employees and officers and special State officers and employees.
The Ethics Compliance Officer initiates a compliance review by scheduling a meeting with an agency’s Ethics Liaison Officer (ELO) and providing the ELO with an Agency Compliance Review packet. Prior to the meeting, the ELO is asked to complete a questionnaire and submit samples of various documents. During the meeting, the Ethics Compliance Officer and ELO review the materials provided and discuss the procedures used by the agency to implement ethics requirements.
Following the meeting, the Ethics Compliance Officer prepares a report indicating whether the agency is in substantial compliance with the letter and spirit of the State’s ethics laws. Once the report is approved by the Commission’s Executive Director, the Executive Director and Ethics Compliance Officer jointly send the agency head a letter stating the findings of the review, identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement. Commission staff may request that the ELO submit additional materials to address any recommendations made.
Commission staff utilizes information gathered during the review process to identify areas of common concern and provide training on these issues at quarterly ELO meetings. The review process also provides a forum for ELOs to discuss questions or concerns and to request assistance from Commission staff on any issues that the agency’s ethics program may be facing.
Questions regarding the Commission’s compliance review process can be directed to Rachel Eger, Ethics Compliance Officer, at 609-292-1892.
Last updated: September 5th, 2023
