The Independent Ethics Commission ("IEC") is a constitutionally created independent commission and is charged with the implementation of Article XXIX of the Colorado Constitution.  The purpose of the IEC is to give advice and guidance on ethics issues arising under Article 29 of the Colorado Constitution and any other standards of conduct or reporting requirements as provided by law, and to hear complaints, issue findings and assess penalties and sanctions where appropriate. The members of the IEC are appointed by the Governor of Colorado, the Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court, the Senate, the House of Representatives and the IEC itself. IEC members serve without compensation but are reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in carrying out their duties.

The Commission has jurisdiction over all State executive and legislative branch elected officials and employees, and local officals and employees, unless the county or municipality is a home-rule entity with its own ethics code.  The Commission does not have jurisdiction over judges or employees of the judicial branch.  The IEC does not have jurisdiction to review an administrative decision of another state agency or Board or Commission, absent an allegation of ethical misconduct.   

Please contact the IEC if  you have any questions regarding whether the Commission has jurisdiction over a particular matter.

 The Transparency Online Project (TOP) System provides public access to information on Colorado State government expenditures (where the money is spent) and revenue (source of the money). For further information go to http://tops.state.co.us. 

The IEC's FY12 appropriation may be viewed here: 

The IEC's FY 13 budget request may be viewed here:

The deadline for submitting an Advisory Opinion or Letter Ruling request for the