Wisconsin Administrative Code Ethics Commission
Here’s an organized overview of the Wisconsin Administrative Code as it pertains to the Ethics Commission (ETH):
📘 ETH Administrative Code Chapters
The Ethics Commission administers several key chapters in the Administrative Code. The primary ones are:
ETH 1 – Campaign Financing
Covers rules and limits for campaign contributions, reporting requirements, and enforcement procedures. (regulations.justia.com, wilawlibrary.gov)
ETH 6 – Procedure
Outlines procedures for how complaints are investigated and adjudicated under the Commission’s authority. (regulations.justia.com)
ETH 15 – Statement of Economic Interests
Sets requirements for state officials and certain local officials to file disclosures of economic interests. (regulations.justia.com, lwm-info.org)
ETH 16 – Lobbying
Regulates registration, reporting, and conduct of lobbyists in Wisconsin. (regulations.justia.com)
ETH 21 – Practice and Procedure
Details formal hearing process, definitions, preliminary information requests, and administrative procedures. For example, ETH 21.06 allows the administrator to request documents before evaluating a complaint. (regulations.justia.com, law.cornell.edu)
ETH 26 – Settlement Offer Schedule
Establishes the schedule of fines and fees that can be offered to resolve ethics violations. (regulations.justia.com)
🏛️ Related Statutory Authority
The Ethics Commission’s rules implement state statutes such as:
Chapter 11 – Campaign Finance
Chapter 13, Subchapter III – Lobbying laws
Chapter 19, Subchapter III – Code of Ethics for Public Officials and Employees (ethics.wi.gov)
These form the statutory backbone for ETH chapters, particularly concerning standards of conduct, disclosures, and complaint procedures.
🛠️ What Each ETH Chapter Covers at a Glance
| Chapter | Focus Area | Key Rules & Processes |
|---|---|---|
| ETH 1 | Campaign Finance | Contribution limits, disclaimers, filing procedures |
| ETH 6 | Complaint Investigation Procedures | Authority, investigation steps, hearings |
| ETH 15 | Economic Interest Disclosures | Who must file, what must be disclosed |
| ETH 16 | Lobbying Regulations | Registration, activity reporting |
| ETH 21 | Administrative Practice & Procedure | Hearing process, definitions, preliminary requests |
| ETH 26 | Settlement & Penalties | Fine schedule for different violations |
✅ Next Steps
Looking for a specific provision?
Let me know the ETH chapter and topic—e.g., lobbyist registration under ETH 16, economic interest deadlines under ETH 15, or settlement amounts under ETH 26—and I can locate the exact section.
Need the full text?
I can pull the relevant sections from the official Wisconsin Administrative Code online (through the Legislative Reference Bureau’s site or Justia).
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