Advisory Opinions and Guidance regarding ethical governmental conduct are formulated by interpreting and applying state law, governmental codes of conduct, the State Code of Ethics, and the statewide Municipal Code of Ethic. They are issued by the Executive Director upon request.
What is Guidance and who can request it?
State of Vermont public servants and municipal officers subject to the statewide Municipal Code of Ethics may request ethics Guidance from the Executive Director as it relates to that person’s duties. 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 and municipal officers subject to the statewide Code of Ethics may request an Advisory Opinion from the Executive Director regarding 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
Revised 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