Sec.1-92-6a. Citizen's Ethics Advisory Board

Acting in the public interest, the Citizen's Ethics Advisory Board is the governing body for the Office of State Ethics. The board has statutory authority to administer the Code of Ethics for Public Officials and Code of Ethics for Lobbyists (Codes of Ethics), as well as part III and part IV of chapter 10 of the Connecticut General Statutes. The board's responsibilities consist of all those delineated by the Connecticut General Statutes and sections 1-81-1 to 1-81-39, inclusive and 1-92-1 to 1-92-61, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, and include issuance of advisory opinions, adoption of agency regulations, entry into contractual agreements necessary for the discharge of its duties, and the appointment, evaluation and removal of the executive director. The board is responsible for making legislative recommendations to the General Assembly and presenting annual reports to the Governor that summarize the activities of the Office of State Ethics. The board is also responsible for adjudication of enforcement matters brought before it by the enforcement division. Upon a judge trial referee’s finding of probable cause, the board initiates hearings to determine whether there has been a violation of the Codes of Ethics. The board rules on all issues of fact at a board hearing, but shall defer to the judge trial referee's rulings on issues of law, procedure and evidence at such hearings. The board prescribes complaint forms and, through its clerk, issues notices of complaints. The board has authority to accept or reject any stipulated settlement following a judge trial referee's finding of probable cause. Upon a board finding pursuant to sections 1-82 or 1-93 of the Connecticut General Statutes that there has been a violation, the board may order filing of documents required by the Codes of Ethics, impose penalties, and issue cease and desist orders. The board may report its findings to the Chief State's Attorney, or the General Assembly, as appropriate. The board may also, in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act, present and impose penalties for non-filers of any reports, statements or other information as required by the Codes of Ethics.

(Adopted effective January 2, 2008; Amended June 24, 2009; Amended May 11, 2023)