Sec.1-81-22. Definition of “official capacity” as used in section 1-84(k) of the Connecticut General Statutes

(a) Pursuant to section 1-84(k) of the Connecticut General Statutes, a public official or state employee is prohibited from accepting a fee or honorarium only if the activity is undertaken in one's “official capacity.”

For example, a state employee-professor with expertise in a certain field would not be barred, under section 1-84(k) of the Connecticut General Statutes, from accepting a fee or honorarium for a speech, as long as the individual was selected because of his or her knowledge and expertise, not his or her state position.

(b) When a public official or state employee is asked to give a speech, make an appearance, participate in an event, or write an article, the activity shall be deemed to be in his or her “official capacity” if the public official's or state employee's official position or authority was a significant factor in the decision to extend the invitation. Under these circumstances, no fee or honorarium may be accepted.

(Effective June 16, 1993; Amended January 2, 2008; Amended May 11, 2023)