As a State employee, it is important to be aware of the Public Ethics Law and adhere to the Standards of Conduct that apply to all employees within State government.
- The State Ethics Commission is responsible for administration and enforcement of the Public Ethics Law.
- An Overview of the Public Ethics Law has been provided by the State Ethics Commission.
- The Public Ethics Law designates certain employees, primarily based on salary and specific job duties, as public officials who are required to file financial disclosure statements. These statements are due from the public official within 30 days of assuming a position that requires disclosure, annually by April 30, and within 60 days of terminating State service.
- The Public Ethics Law mandates a minimum of 2 hours of ethics training for financial disclosure filers that is offered by the Commission both online and live (approximately 4 times per year).
A few examples of the provisions:
- An employee or official may not intentionally use the prestige of his or her office for personal gain or that of another.
- An official or employee may not participate in an official action, decision or matter in circumstances where the official or employee has an interest in or where certain relatives of the official or employee have an interest.
- An official or employee may not hold any employment relationship that would impair his or her impartiality or independence of judgment.
- An official or employee may not disclose or use for personal economic benefit, or that of another, confidential information acquired by reason of his or her public position.
- A former official or employee may not assist or represent anyone other than the State for compensation in a case, contract or other specific matter involving the State, if that matter is one in which he or she significantly participated as an official or employee.
- Employees may not solicit gifts for themselves or others, and generally may not accept gifts from lobbyists or those regulated by or doing (or seeking to do) business with the employee’s agency.
If you have any questions about what is expected of you, you may speak to your personnel officer. For specific advice regarding the application or interpretation of the Public Ethics Law, contact the State Ethics Commission.
