Education - Frequently Asked Questions
- Who must attend an ethics and lobbying education presentation?
- Public servants, legislators, legislative employees, and ethics liaisons.
- Is there a deadline for attending?
- Yes. Public servants and ethics liaisons must attend a basic ethics and lobbying education presentation within six (6)months of election, appointment, or employment, and must attend a refresher presentation at least every two (2) years thereafter.
- Is attending an ethics and lobbying education presentation mandatory?
- Yes. The State Government Ethics Act requires public servants, legislators, legislative employees, and ethics liaisons to attend ethics education. (See question 2 for deadlines.) Failure to attend a presentation is a violation of the Ethics Act and may be cause for removal from your public position or disciplinary action in your job, up to and including dismissal.
- Do “direct reports” have to attend an ethics and lobbying education presentation?
- No. “Direct reports” – those individuals who report directly to a public servant – are not required to attend an ethics and lobbying presentation. However, the State Ethics Commission strongly encourages anyone who reports directly to a public servant or a covered board to attend an ethics presentation. These individuals include legal counsel, executive directors to covered boards and commissions, and assistants to public servants.
- Do “judicial officers”(justices, judges, district attorneys, and clerks of court) have to attend an ethics and lobbying education presentation?
- Generally, no. Judicial officers are not required to attend an ethics education presentation. However, if the judicial officer also serves in another position covered by the State Government Ethics Act, he or she must attend a presentation. For example, if a judge is a member of the Governor´s Crime Commission, the judge is also a public servant and must attend an ethics education presentation.
- Can anyone attend an ethics and lobbying education presentation?
- Yes. Anyone may attend a live presentation or view the online presentation.
- How often do I have to attend a “refresher”presentation?
- Public servants and ethics liaisons must attend an ethics education “refresher” presentation at least every two (2) years.
- Do I have to attend a live education presentation and complete an online course?
- No. Either attendance at a live presentation or completion of the online presentation satisfies the mandatory education requirements.
- Are there consequences for not attending an ethics and lobbying presentation on or before the deadline?
- Yes. Failure to timely attend an ethics and lobbying education presentation is a violation of the State Government Ethics Act and may subject you to disciplinary action in your job, up to and including being dismissed, or removal from your public position.
- How is attendance verified?
- The State Ethics Commission keeps a record of your attendance. If you complete the online presentation, you will be asked at the end of the presentation to verify that you have completed all modules. This verification will be sent to the State Ethics Commission. If you attend a live presentation, you will complete a certification form and file it with the Commission.
- How do I get a record of my attendance?
- Contact the Ethics Commission at (919) 715-2071.
