Stories Related to Ethics Laws Outdated, Not Used

Numerous government agencies across the Capital Region have not updated their ethics laws in decades and are relying on defunct oversight panels to monitor the conduct of local public officials.A Times Union examination of ethics laws in 78 local agencies also found sporadic financial disclosure requirements for elected officials and government employees, and inconsistent policies on the public's right to review those records.In general, ethics laws are intended to lay bare any conflicts of interest for public officials while limiting their receipt of gifts and, in some instances, placing restrictions on the hiring of relatives or friends.However, a review of municipalities across Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties found that at least 30 local governments have not overhauled their ethics laws since the early 1970s.Even in some communities where ethics laws have been updated, enforcement is non-existent.Almost half the municipalities do not have ethics boards, which are optional under state law, and are supposed to independently investigate alleged violations and review financial disclosure filings.

Sections:  u.s.   
Topics:  New York   Albany County   Albany   
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