Given the unfortunate events of the past few years, I am never surprised when constituents want to talk about ethics in state government.

It is a discussion I am happy to have. State legislators are required to obey a code of ethics that is set down in state law – and I believe that Connecticut residents should understand these laws so that they can hold their legislators accountable.

Those who are really interested in government ethics can read Chapter 10, Part II of the General Statutes. However, most of the pertinent information people want to know regarding ethics rules for legislators can be found in Sections 1-84 and 1-85 of the general statutes. Or, you can check out the 2005 Guide to the Code of Ethics for Legislators on the state Office of State Ethics website at www.ct.gov/ethics, then click on “public information” and follow the link.

As noted on the website, our ethics laws are intended to prevent elected officials from using their public position or authority for personal financial benefit. Understandably, the rules are numerous and complex and legislators who have questions are encouraged to ask state ethics officials for an advisory opinion.

 Probably the most important point to remember is that – with few, clearly defined exceptions – legislators may not accept gifts from any lobbyist – or business or organization represented by a lobbyist. Nor, may they accept gifts from anyone doing business with the state, or seeking to do business with the state.

Of course, legislators attend a lot of events in the course of carrying out their responsibilities as elected officials. So, exemptions to the “no gift rule” include: the value of food and beverages up to $50 consumed at a legislative reception held once a year; the value of a plaque or ceremonial award up to $100; admission to charitable or civic events attend by legislators in their official capacity. Gifts from non-restricted donors, other than family members, are generally limited to $100 per year. 

Members of the public who have questions about our ethics laws are welcome to contact the Office of State Ethics as well at 860-566-4472. Meanwhile, here are some of the highlights of our ethics laws for state legislators:

• Legislators may not have jobs that impair their independence of judgment regarding their official duties or induce disclosure of confidential information acquired in state service.

• Legislators may not use their position or confidential information gained in state service to financially benefit them, family members, or an associated business. Legislators may not accept fees or honorariums for speeches given or appearances made in their official capacity, though they may accept necessary expenses as defined by state law; acceptance of necessary expenses must be filed with the Office of State Ethics if they are paid by non-government entities.

• Legislators may not represent anyone for compensation before a wide variety of state agencies, though he, or she, may work for a firm that does as long as he, or she, does not participate or receive compensation for such activities.

• Legislators must file with the Office of State Ethics an Annual Statement of Financial Interests form.

• Legislators may not accept anything of value based on an understanding that his, or her, official action would be influenced. Also, legislators may not enter into contracts with the state valued at $100 or more unless the contracts have been approved through an open public process. They may not interfere with or solicit contracts for anyone. Legislators may not accept gifts, as defined by state law, from registered lobbyists, or lobbyist representatives.

• Legislators may not take official action – including voting and participating in discussions on the floor of the House or Senate or during the legislative committee process – if they believe that such action will directly financially benefit or hurt themselves, immediate family members or associated businesses.

• Legislators must abide by certain “revolving door” restrictions for a period of time after leaving state office. These rules protect the public by prohibiting legislators from using the connections, influence and knowledge gained as public officials to financially benefit themselves or others in their dealings with state government.

Enforcement of Connecticut’s ethics laws is overseen by the Office of State Ethics and the Citizens’ Ethics Advisory Board. If deemed necessary, matters can be referred to the Chief State’s Attorney or the Attorney General.

As always, I am interested in hearing from you regarding this, and other, issues important to our state. I can be reached in Hartford at 1-800-842-1421, or e-mail me at Judith.G.Freedman@cga.gov. I look forward to hearing from you.

Senator Judith G. Freedman represents the 26th Senatorial District, which includes the communities, or portions of the communities, of: Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport and Wilton.

(To Editors: Further Contact Information: Catherine Sarault, Senate Republican Office, 860-240-8818)