Course Descriptions
Scheduling a Training Session
The Education Unit provides training to individuals who wish to learn more about the responsibilities outlined in the Lobby Act and Public Officers Law. If you are interested in attending a workshop at our Albany offices, or would like to invite a trainer to visit your organization, please contact Taneisha Harris at 518-408-3976 or email your request to tharris@nyintegrity.org.
Lobbying Training Descriptions
Civil Penalty Remedial Filing Program (CPR):
This course is designed to correct mistakes commonly made by new filers as an alternative to late fee assessments. The CPR program is also offered online for participants who live 90 miles outside the Albany area. Online users are required to complete an online examination.
Lobbyist Reporting and Requirements:
This course outlines the recent changes to the Lobby Act and will provide participants with a better understanding of who is required to register with the Commission. Topics covered include: biennial statement of registration, fees, filing the six bi-monthly reports, due dates, and a brief overview of the on-line filing and final lobbyist responsibilities upon termination of their contract. (1 Hr.)
Client Reporting and Requirements:
Similar to Lobbyist Reporting and Requirements, this course focuses solely on the responsibilities of the clients in their lobbying pursuits. Topics include how to register with the Commission, how to file the required semi-annual reports, their due dates, and fees. The course also offers an introduction to on-line filing, maintaining records, assessment of penalties and the filing of the final client/lobbyist termination responsibilities. (1 Hr.)
On-Line Filing Training:
The most common filing mistakes occur when using PDF forms. This course is designed to instruct users on the fundamentals in navigating the on-line registration and reporting system. All attendees will receive a username and password on completion of the training session. This will enable participants to file on-line with the Commission immediately. (1 Hr.)
Ethics Training Descriptions
Ethics Training:
A survey course designed to cover the nuts-and-bolts of New York's Public Officers Law Sections 73, 73-a, 73-b, 74 and Civil Service Law Section 107. Topics include an introduction to the New York State Commission on Public Integrity, advisory opinions, nepotism in the workplace, limitations on outside activities, post-employment rules, financial disclosure, and restrictions on gifts. (2 Hrs.)
Ethics Training Update:
This course is designed for those who have taken Ethics Training. The instructor will cover recent changes to the law, new advisory opinions and regulations. (1 Hr.)
Post-Employment Restrictions:
In the next several years, thousands of New York State employees will be retiring from State service. A large proportion of this group will leave the workforce altogether. However, some will choose to pursue employment in the private sector. This class is designed for the person contemplating a position in the private sector after State service. This course will cover New York's post-employment restrictions. Specifically, the two-year and lifetime bans along with certain exceptions to the general provisions will be covered. There will also be a discussion on the rules applicable to job offers while in State service. (1-1 ½ Hrs.)
Financial Disclosure Training:
Last year, thousands of State employees filed annual financial disclosure forms. This course will cover important information that a first time filer needs to know to file the FDS form correctly and on time. Topics will include who is required to file the form, exemptions, extensions, penalties for failure to file, and public access to the form. (1 - 1 ½ Hrs.)
Gifts:
The Public Employee Reform Act of 2007 removed the $75.00 limit on gifts and replaced it with a new standard which allows only gifts of "nominal" value, with certain exceptions. This course will cover the new gift rules along with a discussion about what constitutes a gift, certain permissible gifts, discounts, job offers and penalties. (1 Hr.)
Ethics Training for Unpaid or Per Diem New York State Officers:
As an unpaid or per diem member of a policy making body or other entity on which at least one member is appointed by the Governor, your public service to the State of New York requires you to abide by certain provisions of the State's ethics laws. This course will address the applicable ethical principles including: an introduction to the New York State Commission on Public Integrity, advisory opinions, conflicts of interest, financial disclosure and penalties. (1 - 1 ½ Hrs.)
The Role of the Ethics Officer:
Every State agency, public authority, board or council has at least one designated ethics officer. The person who performs this important role also serves as a liaison to the Commission on Public Integrity. This course is designed for new ethics officers and will cover a broad range of topics. At the conclusion of the course, the ethics officers will be given a binder of materials which will assist them in carrying out their ethics officer duties. (2 Hrs.)
SUNY/CUNY Ethics Training:
Academics and employees of the SUNY and CUNY system are frequently presented with particular circumstances that involve application of the State's ethics laws. This course is designed specifically for employees and academics of the SUNY and CUNY system. Topics will include an introduction to the Commission on Public Integrity, advisory opinions, financial disclosure, honoraria, restrictions on gifts, post-employment, limitations on outside activities and penalties.(2 Hrs.)