The Vito Lopez scandal apparently isn't the first matter involving a state legislator that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's new ethics panel will handle. But it's the biggest test to date for the Joint Commission on Public Ethics.

Before Cuomo got lawmakers to agree to create the commission in 2011, the legislature was policed by its own ethics committees. With the commission, an ethics agency led by the governor's appointees has -- for the first time -- jurisdiction to investigate legislators.

The panel is led by former Cuomo aides.-- Yancey Roy

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore. Credit: Randee Daddona, Michael A. Rupolo Sr.

Out East Show: Visit The Shamrock evergreen maze, Sannino Vineyard, Seven Ponds Orchard and the Warrior Ranch Foundation NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore.

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore. Credit: Randee Daddona, Michael A. Rupolo Sr.

Out East Show: Visit The Shamrock evergreen maze, Sannino Vineyard, Seven Ponds Orchard and the Warrior Ranch Foundation NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore.

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