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STATE ETHICS COMMISSION

The non-partisan Commission consists of five members appointed to staggered, five-year terms. Three commissioners are selected by the Governor, one by the Secretary of State and one by the Attorney General. No more than two of the gubernatorial appointments -- and no more than three members of the Commission as a whole -- may be from the same political party. The commissioners serve part-time, are paid on a per diem basis, and employ a full-time staff.

The Commission staff is made up of four separate divisions, under the supervision of the executive director. The Legal Division provides free, confidential advice to public employees regarding the legality of proposed activities; it also represents the Commission in court. The Statements of Financial Interests ("SFI") Division administers the financial disclosure law and audits SFIs filed with the agency. The Public Education Division conducts free seminars for public employees, publishes a wide range of educational materials and maintains the Commission's web site. The Enforcement Division investigates and prosecutes alleged violations of the laws.