To monitor and to enforce, in a fair and impartial manner: campaign practices and campaign finance disclosure; lobbying disclosure; business interest disclosure of statewide and state district candidates, elected state officials, and state department directors, ethical standards of conduct for legislators, public officers, and state employees, and to investigate legitimate complaints that arise concerning any of the foregoing.

The Commissioner of Political Practices (COPP) has responsibilities that were defined by a legislative initiative in 1980 requiring disclosure of acts by lobbyists and business interests of elected officials. COPP also has responsibility for the ethical standards of conduct for legislators, public officers, and state employees pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 2, MCA.