|
Ohio Ethics Laws prohibit public officials, including part-time board members,
local officials and some unpaid appointees from receiving certain gifts, meals
or entertainment. The laws also regulate those who give the gifts or pay for
the meals and entertainment of public officials. Every public official or
employee and every individual corporation that provides anything to a public
official should be aware of the Ohio ethics laws and related guidance.
Resources Available
Governor's
Office Issues Interpretation
Document Regarding Executive Order 2007-01S on Ethics Requirements
In response to a number of questions concerning the Ohio Governor's
Executive Order 2007-01S regarding ethical requirements for state employees, the Ohio Governor's Office has issued a
series of questions and answers to provide additional guidance about the Executive Order. The document
covers matters regarding meetings and conferences, including the acceptance of gifts and meals at such events, and
addresses a series of questions related to permissible and impermissible gifts.
When Recusal is Not the Answer: Ethical Considerations For New Appointees
Warning
August 2007
Bulletin discussing when recusal is required and not required by public officials serving on public or private boards or commissions.
Recent Developments in Ohio Student Lending Investigation: Investigation Expanded to Alumni Associations & Foundations-- Ohio Ethics Commission Issues Warning
May 2007
The Ohio Attorney General has initiated an investigation of unethical financial arrangements of colleges and universities
with student-loan companies and is targeting education foundations and alumni associations, in addition to private lending organizations
and colleges and universities.
Governor Strickland Announces New State Ethics
Policy
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland signed his first Executive Order on January 8,
2006, immediately after being sworn in, setting a strict new ethics policy for
state government.
Ohio Supreme Court Rules That Improper Interest in a Contract By a
Public Official Does Not Render Contract Void
In February 2007 Ohio Supreme Court issued an opinion in Morrow Cty. Airport Auth. v. Whetstone Flyers Ltd.,
holding that contracts issued in violation of R.C. 2921.42, prohibiting
public officials from having an unlawful interest in a public contract, are not void.
U.S. House of Representatives Issues New Rules on
Acceptance of Gifts and Travel
New ethics rules issued in January 2007 by the U.S. House of Representatives
dealing with gifts and travel.
An Overview of Ohio Ethics Laws: A
Corporate Guide for Entertaining Public Officials
September 2005
Compliance guide to the Ohio ethics laws on public official entertainment.
Recent Changes Impact Private Corporations,
Their Subsidiaires and Their Officers When State Funding is Accepted
May 2006
Bulletin on an Ohio Supreme Court decision and Ohio legislation that will
heighten the scrutiny permitted by the state of corporations that accept state
funding.
Ohio Ethics Commission
The Ohio Ethics commission webpage contains useful fact sheets and numerous
advisory opinions about a variety of public ethics issues.
Compatibility
Opinions Index
Many public officials are asked to serve on more than one public body. Usually,
this dual service is a benefit to both of the public agencies involved. But
sometimes, ethical conflicts between the two positions can make service on both
very difficult. The Ohio Attorney General has prepared a comprehensive listing
of its opinions and other guidance to help public officials understand when
they can and cannot hold a second public office while serving in the first.
|
