Ethics commissions have been a staple of American democratic accountability for more than 50 years. The commissions promote voter confidence in policymakers and political institutions by deterring conflicts of interest among government officials. They provide transparency into the decision-making process and accountability for public officials who fail to serve the public interest.
Ethics commissions are essential for securing the public’s trust in government; yet just like any other agency, they face unique challenges that can threaten their ability to administer and enforce the ethics laws voters rely on. Lawmakers who want to curb these commissions’ powers introduce legislation designed to impede ethics commissions’ mission, diminish their authority, or dismantle the commissions altogether. Often, these challenges erupt soon after ethics commissions adopt laws in the wake of high-profile ethics investigations or after enforcement actions that target statewide officials and local entities.
Campaign Legal Center’s groundbreaking 2024 report analyzed the different methods used by those seeking to weaken ethics commissions in order to help predict patterns of legislative and legal threats across the country. Overwhelmingly, state ethics commissions in 2025 were found more likely to be under threat following periods of expanded commission jurisdiction or high-profile ethics investigations or enforcement actions.
Our 2025 report depicts the changing landscape of risks and challenges state ethics commissions face today and expands on previous findings that can be used to predict what risks and challenges lie ahead.
CLC collaborates with ethics commissions across the country to provide solutions to challenges including limitations on staff, technology, funding and other resources. The proven tools are suitable for ethics commissions of all sizes and budgetary constraints. CLC can help you implement these changes in your jurisdiction and connect you to those who have seen on-the-ground success.
