State Ethics Commission

Web Site:

www.mass.gov/ethics

Organization Chart

Mission:

Since 1963, the Massachusetts conflict of interest law has regulated the conduct of public officials and employees in the Bay State. General Laws chapter 268A governs what public employees may do on the job, what they may do after hours or "on the side," and what they may do after they leave public service. It also sets standards of conduct required by all state, county and municipal employees and officials. The law requires that public servants give undivided loyalty to the government for which they work and act in the public interest rather than for private gain. Until it was revised in 1978, the law was enforced solely as a criminal matter under the jurisdiction of the Attorney General and the various District Attorneys.

The Commission provides free legal advice, education and other information regarding the conflict of interest and financial disclosure laws and serves as the primary civil enforcement agency for these laws.

Governing Laws:

Statutes

MGL C. 268B S. 1-8

Financial Disclosure Law

MGL C. 268A S. 1-25

Conflict of Interest Law

Regulations

930 CMR

State Ethics Commission