Marlena Diaz

The committee discussed the status of educational programs and addressed issues regarding mandatory ethics training compliance. Key discussion topics included the analysis of training data gaps for 2024 and 2025, the distinction between aggregate and individual employee data tracking, and a proposed plan for 2026. This proposal focuses on requiring agencies to submit plans for achieving full compliance, with priority placed on training individuals who missed previous sessions, moving away from relying solely on aggregate reporting.

The committee discussed legislative proposals currently advancing, including electronic filing requirements for lobbying submissions and proposed amendments to the open meetings law regarding advisory bodies. A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to a proposal to codify sexual harassment through a regulatory amendment. Participants debated the terminology—specifically whether to classify the amendment as a clarification of existing policy or the creation of a new regulation—and discussed ensuring consistency with state human rights laws and federal standards to avoid public confusion. Additionally, the committee reviewed a proposal to modify voting requirements for commission action.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and confirmation of a quorum, noting remote participation due to extraordinary circumstances. Key discussions included the December Operations Updates and the budget review for FY 2025-2026, noting the agency remains on target. For FY 2026-2027, a flat budget request was submitted, accompanied by a request for additional funding for data system updates, although the Governor's proposal indicated an overall decrease in appropriation, affecting non-personal services and staffing capabilities. Discussions on developing new revenue sources via modified lobbying fee cycles were noted, with a key provision for agency allocation omitted from the Governor's proposal. Other topics involved reporting on Commissioner per diem payments, an overview of the 2025 Second and Third Quarter Ethics Training Compliance, reminders regarding annual recusal memos, a staffing update, and a walkthrough of the Preliminary Lobbying Data Public Access Dashboard. The Commission also reviewed next steps for the Comprehensive Review Process, planned for the 2026 Public Hearing focus, and discussed proceeding with draft regulations to address sexual harassment. The public session concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss personnel, pending litigation, and confidential enforcement matters.

The meeting included an update on logistics and the status of forums, noting that Commissioners Edwards and Caribio attended remotely. Key discussion points covered operational updates, including a decrease in overall open and pending investigations, a surge in inquiries to the health desk likely due to the ethics training cycle, and the need to consider converting the training cycle to two years. Financial disclosures showed a reduction in outstanding filings. The commission discussed the budget, projecting no surplus for the current fiscal year expiring in March, and highlighted the negative impact of a proposed $250,000 reduction from the Governor's proposal on staffing for investigations, compliance auditing, and training units. The agenda included testimony regarding the budget shortfall and requests for funding to upgrade the financial disclosure and lobbying systems. Staffing updates announced the hiring of a new auditor and the appointment of Renee Jackson as the new internal controls officer. A proposed legislative amendment to executive law regarding commission voting thresholds was referred to the legislative committee for further discussion.

The meeting commenced with logistical details regarding the open meeting law compliance and remote participation. Key discussion items included the approval of the previous public session minutes from December 17, 2025, with a necessary correction noted. The operations update provided significant details on ethics training completion metrics, noting substantial increases in trained employees and online module usage, while also addressing subsequent data adjustments made by the payroll office. The budget update detailed the executive budget proposal, noting a $250,000 reduction compared to expected funding and the resulting necessity to halt the filling of four vacant positions pending final legislative budget approval. Discussions also covered proposals for legislative changes regarding lobbying registration fees, shifting to an annual fee structure, and imposing late fees for ethics training completion, though the agency would not retain these generated funds. Furthermore, proposed amendments to the Public Financial Disclosure Form, including changes to thresholds, were reviewed.