When faced with complex and sensitive governmental matters that could benefit from studied review by persons beyond executive branch staff, the governor of the state of New York can appoint a group to examine the matter and to report findings.

One mechanism available for exercising such authority is the appointment of a Moreland Commission, as codified in N.Y. Exec. Law §6. This area attracted increased public attention upon the criminal investigation (ultimately concluding with no charges) by then-U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara of the closure of the Moreland Commission that Governor Andrew Cuomo had appointed in July 2013 to investigate public corruption.