Enforcement Program

The Public Ethics Commission (PEC) has authority to impose penalties for violations of ethics laws, campaign finance laws, and lobbyist registration requirements. The Commission also can mediate or recommend "cure and correction" for violations of public records and open meetings laws, respectively.

Get updates from the Public Ethics Commission

The Law

The PEC conducts investigations, holds public hearings, issues subpoenas, and imposes fines and penalties as provided for by ordinance. The Commission has the primary responsibility and power to investigate and enforce violations under the laws listed below.

Government Ethics Act
Ethics and conflict of interest rules for public servants

Campaign Reform Act
Local campaign rules seeking to reduce the influence of large donors on elections

Lobbyist Registration Act
Registration and disclosure rules for entities that influence public decisions by lobbying

Sunshine Ordinance
Promotes access to government documents and timely notice of public meetings

Limited Public Financing Act
Provides public funding for Council candidates to expand participation in elections

Report a Problem

File a complaint
Submit a complaint for a suspected violation of any of the laws listed above

Request mediation
Request mediation of an unfulfilled public records request

Complaint Process

Complaint Procedures(PDF, 214KB)
Describes the process a complaint follows from start to finish

Penalty Guidelines(PDF, 185KB)
Guidelines used by staff when recommending enforcement penalties

Enforcement Actions
A searchable list summarizing closed enforcement cases

Administrative Hearings Training
An overview of the administrative hearing process.

Public Ethics Commission Impact

Case Results
View statistics and summaries of cases prosecuted by the Enforcement Division

Mediation Program Results
A searchable list of completed public records request mediations