Advisory Opinions and Guidance regarding ethical governmental conduct and are formulated by interpreting and applying state law, governmental codes of conduct, and the State Code of Ethics. They are issued by the Executive Director upon request.
What is Guidance and who can request it?
State of Vermont public servants may request ethics Guidance from the Executive Director as it relates to that person’s duties and any issue related to government ethics. Guidance is non-binding and confidential unless the recipient chooses to disclose it. 3 V.S.A. §1225(a).
How do I request Guidance?
To request Guidance call us at (802) 828-7187 or email us at ethicscommission@vermont.gov.
What is an Advisory Opinion and who can request one?
State of Vermont public servants may request an Advisory Opinion from the Executive Director regarding any issue related to governmental ethics and the requester’s ongoing or prospective conduct.
Advisory Opinions are in writing, do not contain any individual’s personally identifying information, and are posted on the Commission’s website within 30 days of issuance. In preparing an Advisory Opinion the Executive Director may seek comment from parties interested in the subject under consideration. V.S.A. §1225(b).
How do I request an Advisory Opinion?
To request an Advisory Opinion, complete the Advisory Opinion request form and return it to us at ethicscommission@vermont.gov.
Advisory Opinion FAQs
Advisory Opinion Procedures
Advisory Opinion Request Form (Fillable PDF)
Advisory Opinion Request Form (Word)
Advisory Opinions
Advisory Opinion No. 1-2023 - Topics: Outside Employment; Employment Restrictions; Misuse of Position; Misuse of Information; Misuse of Government Resources; Conflicts of Interest
Advisory Opinion No. 2-2023 - Topics: Outside Employment; Employment Restrictions; Misuse of Position; Misuse of Information; Misuse of Government Resources; Conflicts of Interest; Preferential Treatment
Advisory Opinion No. 3-2023 - Topics: Boards & Commissions, Conflict of Interest, Appearance of Conflict of Interest
Advisory Opinion No. 4-2023 - Topics: Boards & Commissions, Conflict of Interest, Appearance of Conflict of Interest, Good Cause, Rule of Necessity
Advisory Opinion No. 5-2023 - Topics: Conflict of Interest, Appearance of Conflict of Interest, Outside Employment, Employment Restrictions, Misuse of Position, Misuse of Resources, Boards and Commissions, Gifts, Core Legislative Functions