October 28, 2009

New Advisory Opinions

On October 22, 2009, the Citizen’s Ethics Advisory Board met and decided on two new opinions, summarized below.  Click on the AO number to read the full text of the opinion.

AO 2009-10, OSE’s Jurisdiction to Interpret General Statutes § 4b-4
The Citizen’s Ethics Advisory Board concluded that it has no statutory authority to issue advisory opinions interpreting General Statutes § 4b-4, despite its authority to enforce that section.  General Statutes § 4b-4 places additional outside employment restrictions on employees of the Properties Review Board and some employees in the Department of Public Works.

AO 2009-11, Sitting or Former Member of State Council Seeking Paid Employment with that Council
The Citizen’s Ethics Advisory Board concluded that a sitting council member may not apply for and accept the executive director position of that council.  Further, a former council member may not apply for and accept such a position for one year after leaving the council.

File Necessary Expenses Reports Online

No more mailing!  Now, reports of necessary expenses can be filed entirely online.  Just visit www.ct.gov/ethics and click on the “Forms” page for the link to the online ETH-NE form.  Remember that such reports are required when a state employee or public official receives payment or reimbursement for out-of-state travel or any lodging associated with active participation at an event.

Reminder – Update Your SFI Filer Lists

Believe it or not, the SFI filing season is just around the corner.  Please be sure to update your designated filer lists now, as changes may occur, instead of waiting until the last minute.  Use your provided user name and password to enter the online SFI system and make sure your list is up to date!

Until next month, stay healthy and enjoy a beautiful fall!