Ethics Violations Get Pricier: Government Adjusts Corruption Fees
Published Date: 1/15/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 15, 2025, certain fines for breaking ethics rules in the government will go up to keep pace with inflation. This affects government employees who fail to follow the Ethics in Government Act, like not filing reports on time or giving false info. The changes make sure penalties stay fair and effective as prices rise each year.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 6 costs, 0 mixed.
Bigger fines for false or late financial reports
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or fail to file a required public financial disclosure report, the maximum civil penalty rises to $75,540. That maximum applies to violations that occurred after November 2, 2015 and are assessed after January 15, 2025.
Higher penalty for knowing/willful trust breaches
If a trustee or interested party knowingly and willfully breaches a qualified trust, the maximum civil penalty is increased to $25,132. That amount applies to violations that occurred after November 2, 2015 and are assessed after January 15, 2025.
Higher penalty for negligent trust breaches
If a trustee or interested party negligently breaches a qualified trust, the maximum civil penalty is increased to $12,567. This applies to violations that occurred after November 2, 2015 and are assessed after January 15, 2025.
Higher penalty for misuse of public financial reports
A person who obtains or uses a public financial disclosure report for a prohibited purpose can now face a maximum civil penalty of $25,132. The increased maximum applies to violations that occurred after November 2, 2015 and are assessed after January 15, 2025.
Higher fines for outside employment violations
If an employee violates outside employment or activities rules, the maximum civil penalty is increased to $25,132, or the amount of compensation received for the prohibited conduct, whichever is greater. The change applies to violations that occurred after November 2, 2015 and are assessed after January 15, 2025.
Late filing fee remains $200 (unchanged)
The $200 late filing fee for public financial disclosure reports more than 30 days overdue is not considered a civil monetary penalty under the inflation-adjustment law and will remain $200. That fee remains unchanged under this rulemaking.
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