Alabama Administrative Code Title 340 - ALABAMA ETHICS COMMISSION
Alabama Administrative Code – Title 340: Alabama Ethics Commission
Title 340 of the Alabama Administrative Code contains the rules and regulations governing the Alabama Ethics Commission, the agency tasked with administering and enforcing the Alabama Ethics Act and related laws. The Ethics Commission promotes integrity in public service by regulating the conduct of public officials, public employees, lobbyists, and others involved in state and local government.
Key Areas Covered Under Title 340
1. General Provisions
Outlines the authority and purpose of the Commission.
Defines critical terms (e.g., “public official,” “public employee,” “thing of value,” “conflict of interest”).
2. Statements of Economic Interests
Rules regarding filing requirements for public officials and employees.
Specifies deadlines, disclosure categories (income, assets, liabilities), and penalties for late or false filings.
3. Lobbyist and Principal Registration
Requirements for registration of lobbyists and their employers ("principals").
Annual registration process and fee.
Reporting obligations for expenditures, gifts, and influencing efforts.
4. Advisory Opinions
The Commission may issue formal advisory opinions to public officials or employees seeking clarification about their ethical obligations.
These opinions are legally binding if the requestor acts in good faith on the opinion issued.
5. Complaints and Investigations
Procedures for filing ethics complaints.
Investigation process and powers of the Commission (e.g., subpoena authority).
Confidentiality rules and procedures for public hearings or enforcement actions.
6. Penalties and Enforcement
Sanctions may include fines, referrals for criminal prosecution, and public censure.
Outlines the Commission’s enforcement authority under the Alabama Ethics Act (Code of Alabama § 36-25-1 et seq.).
7. Training and Compliance
Provisions for mandatory ethics training for public officials and employees.
Ethics education initiatives for local governments, schools, and other public bodies.
Purpose of the Alabama Ethics Commission
The commission ensures transparency, integrity, and accountability in state and local government through:
Oversight of financial disclosures,
Regulation of lobbying activity,
Enforcement of conflicts of interest rules,
Ethical guidance and education.
RELATED Blog
0 comments