Who can file a complaint?
Anyone can file a complaint with the Ethics Commission regarding ethical conduct in any of the three branches of State government, municipal government or the State’s campaign finance law set forth in 17 V.S.A. Chapter 61.
The complaint process
Complaints submitted to the Ethics Commission are confidential. Once received, the Executive Director performs a preliminary review of each complaint and decides whether the complaint should be referred for further action. The Commission does not currently investigate or have enforcement powers.
It is a good idea to check with the Ethics Commission prior to filing a complaint to make sure it meets the criteria for referral.
When a complaint is referred for further action, the receiving entity uses its own policies and procedures to investigate and decide what, if any, action to take.
Below are examples of the types of complaints the Commission might receive and refer for further action.
- Complaints alleging a violation of the State Code of Ethics in any of the three branches of government or against certain municipal officers alleging a violation of the statewide Municipal Code of Ethics.
- Complaints alleging a crime, a violation of governmental conduct regulated by law, or a violation of campaign finance law are referred to the Attorney General or the relevant State’s Attorney.
- Complaints regarding conduct committed by an Executive Branch employee are referred to the Commissioner of Human Resources.
- Complaints regarding conduct committed by a Judicial Branch employee are referred to the Office of the Court Administrator.
- Complaints regarding conduct committed by a judicial officer are referred to the Judicial Conduct Board.
- Complaints regarding conduct committed by a State Representative are referred to the House Ethics Panel.
- Complaints regarding conduct committed by a State Senator are referred to the Senate Ethics Panel.
- Complaints regarding conduct committed by certain municipal officers will be referred to the appropriate municipality.
How do I file a complaint?
- Open and save the Fillable PDF Complaint Form or Fillable Microsoft Word Complaint Form to your computer, and
- Email the completed signed form (either as a saved pdf or scanned document) to ethicscommission@vermont.gov, or
- If you wish to send your complaint in the mail, please email or call us first at 802-828-7187