Pursuant to changes in the New Jersey Conflicts of Interest Law, N.J.S.A. 52:13D-21(e)(3), the N.J. State Ethics Commission, in May 2006, began conducting ethics compliance reviews (audits) of all Executive branch agencies. The primary purpose of the Commission's compliance reviews is to ensure that State agencies are meeting the reporting, training and other legal requirements of the State's ethics laws. The compliance review process is also designed to determine whether State agencies have in place needed procedures and practices that will prevent and detect ethics violations.

Prior to conducting an on-site agency compliance review, the Ethics Commission's Compliance Officer will provide the agency's Ethics Liaison Officer with a Document Checklist which will be used for the review. The Compliance Review Document Checklist itself can serve as a valuable tool for future agency ethics program activities.

Also, beginning in 2008, and in conjunction with the compliance review process, agency employees will be sent an Employee Ethics Survey to be completed and returned anonymously. This survey is to be used as an additional compliance tool to help evaluate employee awareness and attitudes about ethics in their agencies.

Finally, please also note that the State Ethics Commission views the compliance review process as an opportunity for agency Ethics Liaison Officers to obtain support and assistance on any ethics issues/problems they are experiencing. The Commission's Compliance Officer is available, during and after the review, to discuss with the Ethics Liaison Officer ways to improve his/her agency's ethics program.

Questions regarding the Commission's Compliance Review Process can be directed to Jeffrey Stoolman, Esq., Compliance Officer, at 609-826-5542.