New York Appeals Court Deliberates on Constitutionality of State Ethics Panel

The court's decision could impact former Governor Andrew Cuomo's legal battle over a $5 million book deal.

• A New York appeals court is reviewing the constitutionality of the state's Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, following a lawsuit by former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
• Cuomo is contesting the commission's attempt to make him forfeit $5 million earned from a book about his administration's COVID-19 response.
• The commission, created in 2022, was designed to be more independent than its predecessor, with limited influence from the governor.
• A lower court previously ruled the commission's independence unconstitutional, as it undermines the executive branch's authority to enforce ethics laws.
• The outcome of the appeal could redefine the enforcement of ethics and lobbying regulations in New York state.

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