Wisconsin Administrative Code Ethics Commission
Wisconsin Administrative Code – Ethics Commission
Agency: Wisconsin Ethics Commission
Code Chapter: Typically Ethics Commission Rules, often cited under ETH Chapter in the Wisconsin Administrative Code.
Purpose and Authority
The Ethics Commission is responsible for:
Administering and enforcing laws related to conflicts of interest, lobbying, campaign finance, and financial disclosures for public officials.
Ensuring transparency and integrity in government.
Its authority comes from Wisconsin Statutes, including:
Ch. 19 – Open Meetings and Public Records
Ch. 11 – Campaign Finance
Ch. 13 – Ethics and Lobbying Laws
The Administrative Code implements these statutes with specific rules and procedures.
Membership
The Commission is composed of appointed members as defined in statute.
Members may serve terms, hold leadership positions, and participate in decision-making on enforcement matters.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Ethics Commission:
Advisory Opinions
Provides guidance to public officials and lobbyists regarding conflicts of interest and compliance.
Financial Disclosure
Oversees filing requirements for financial statements, gifts, and outside income.
Enforcement
Investigates complaints of ethics violations, conflicts of interest, or campaign finance irregularities.
Can issue warnings, impose fines, or pursue legal action.
Lobbying Regulation
Registers lobbyists and ensures reporting of lobbying activities.
Education
Offers training and materials to help officials and the public understand ethics rules.
Procedures
Complaints are filed with the Commission in writing.
Investigations may include interviews, document review, and hearings.
Respondents have rights to notice and an opportunity to respond.
Final decisions are issued in writing and may include sanctions.
Reporting and Transparency
Annual reports summarizing activities, filings, and enforcement actions are issued.
Ethics opinions and advisory guidance may be published for public access.
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