Ethics

PA Ethics Commission Fines Four Entities for Lobbying Disclosure Violations

The Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission issued four final adjudications (Orders 175-SL through 178-SL) on April 23, 2026, finding registered lobbying principals in violation of Section 13A05 of the Pennsylvania Lobbying Disclosure Law for failure to timely file Q3 2025 quarterly expense reports with the Department of State. HSS Investors LLC was assessed a $5,900 administrative penalty; Scholastic Inc. and Spin were each assessed $31,100; and Garcia Clinical Laboratory Inc. was assessed $16,500. All respondents have 30 days from the mailing date to pay by electronic payment or certified check. Scholastic, Spin, and Garcia Clinical Laboratory's violations were deemed negligent. Noncompliance with the payment orders will trigger further enforcement action.

Vermont House Passes Ethics Law Change Despite State Ethics Commission Objection

The Vermont House passed a change to state ethics law on March 14, 2025, moving the measure forward in the legislative process. The Vermont State Ethics Commission publicly objected to the proposed change. The document links to external coverage on VTDigger for full details of the legislation and the Commission's stated objections.

H.1 Becomes Law Without Governor's Signature

Governor Philip B. Scott allowed Vermont H.1 to become law without his signature on June 9, 2025. The bill modifies how the State Ethics Commission accepts and refers complaints. The Governor expressed concern that the legislation weakens the Legislature's commitment to the statutory State Code of Ethics, though he chose not to veto it, stating it does not rise to that level. The Executive Branch will continue adhering to ethics standards under existing laws and the Governor's executive order.

Vermont State Ethics Commission Halts New Municipal Cases Due to Underfunding

The Vermont State Ethics Commission announced on September 17, 2025, that it will not accept new municipal ethics cases due to insufficient funding. The commission will continue limited operations but advises affected parties to contact the office directly for case status. This operational constraint affects municipalities seeking ethics guidance or wishing to file complaints with the state ethics body.

ND Ethics Commission Establishes Public Comment Period at Regular Meetings

The North Dakota Ethics Commission has adopted a policy establishing a public comment period at the beginning of each regular meeting, beginning with the March 27, 2026 meeting. Under the policy, each speaker is allotted up to ten minutes for comments, with the public comment period limited to a total of one hour per meeting, and individuals must submit a public comment request form before the meeting is called to order. The Commission's stated rationale is to ensure members of the public have a meaningful opportunity to address the Commission on issues related to government ethics, transparency, elections, corruption, and lobbying.

ND Ethics Commission Sets April 24 Meeting in West Fargo

The North Dakota Ethics Commission announces a public meeting scheduled for April 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the West Fargo Fire Department, 1201 10th Avenue E., West Fargo, ND 58078. As part of its initiative to increase accessibility, the Commission is holding meetings in communities across North Dakota and will include a public comment period. Additional meeting details and the public comment request form are available at ethicscommission.nd.gov.

Ethics Commission Accepting Applications Through April 30, Two Openings Available

The North Dakota Ethics Commission is accepting applications for two commission openings through April 30, 2026. Position 1 fills an unexpired term left by Dr. Cynthia Lindquist's resignation, running from June 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027. Position 2 serves a full four-year term beginning September 1, 2026. Appointments will be made by consensus agreement of the Governor, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader.

State Government Ethics Act Requirements and Commission Jurisdiction Overview

The North Carolina State Ethics Commission published an overview of its role interpreting and enforcing the State Government Ethics Act and Lobbying Law. The eight-member bipartisan commission, appointed by the Governor and General Assembly leadership, requires certain state officials to file Statements of Economic Interest, complete ethics education, and adhere to conflict-of-interest standards and gift bans. The commission does not have jurisdiction over local government officials.

14 Final Ethics Adjudications, $250-$750 Penalties for Late SFI Filings

The Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission issued 14 final adjudications on April 21, 2026, imposing civil penalties on public officials for failing to file required Statements of Financial Interests under Section 1104(a) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1104(a). Penalties ranged from $150 (single-year delinquency) to $750 (three-year delinquency), calculated at $25 per day of delinquency. All respondents were ordered to pay within 30 days and to file missing Statements. Failure to comply triggers additional enforcement action.