This legislation would give the New York
State Commission on Public Integrity the powers it needs to effectively
enforce the law and impose the necessary penalties for non compliance.
There is little disincentive for
individuals or entities under the New York State Commission's
jurisdiction to comply with Commission subpoenas or other directives
issued as part of an active Commission investigation. The Commission's
recourse in such circumstances is limited to seeking a court's
intervention. Such was the case in the Commission's 2008 investigation
into the Governor's alleged misuse of state police resources, which the
Governor's office delayed and obstructed by failing to promptly and
completely comply with the Commission's subpoena. Such authority would
discourage the obstruction of investigations by the Commission and
enhance the Commission's ability to protect the public interest.
