Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 520 - Ethics Commission
1. What Title 520 Is
Title 520 of the Rhode Island Code of Regulations contains the rules adopted by the Rhode Island Ethics Commission.
These rules explain how Rhode Island’s ethics laws are applied, interpreted, and enforced for people involved in state and local government.
Title 520 does not create the ethics law itself.
Instead, it implements and clarifies the ethics law found in Rhode Island’s General Laws (commonly called the Code of Ethics).
2. Purpose of the Ethics Commission
The Ethics Commission exists to:
Promote integrity, honesty, and public trust in government
Prevent conflicts of interest
Ensure public officials and employees act in the public interest, not for personal gain
Provide guidance so officials can comply with ethics laws
Investigate and enforce violations when they occur
3. Who Is Covered by Title 520
Title 520 applies broadly to public officials and public employees, including:
State officials and employees
Municipal (city and town) officials and employees
Elected officials
Appointed officials
Members of boards, commissions, councils, and authorities
Candidates for public office (in certain situations)
In many cases, unpaid or part-time officials are also covered.
4. Structure of Title 520
Title 520 is organized into regulations that explain how the Ethics Commission operates and how ethics rules are applied.
Major areas include:
Commission procedures
Advisory opinions
Complaints and investigations
Hearings and enforcement
Financial disclosure
Interpretation of conflict-of-interest rules
5. Conflicts of Interest (Core Topic)
A central concept in Title 520 is conflict of interest.
A conflict generally exists when a public official or employee:
Has a financial interest
Has a business relationship
Has a family relationship
Has any personal interest
that could reasonably be expected to influence their official actions.
Common conflict situations include:
Participating in decisions that affect one’s own business
Acting on matters involving close family members
Using one’s public position for private advantage
Accepting gifts or benefits tied to official duties
Title 520 explains how conflicts are evaluated and what steps must be taken when a conflict exists.
6. Recusal and Disclosure
When a conflict exists or may appear to exist:
The official may be required to recuse (not participate)
The official may need to make a public disclosure
In some cases, the activity is completely prohibited, even with disclosure
Title 520 provides guidance on:
When recusal is required
How disclosures must be made
What actions are still allowed and what are not
7. Advisory Opinions
One of the most important functions explained in Title 520 is the advisory opinion process.
Advisory opinions:
Are written opinions issued by the Ethics Commission
Answer specific ethics questions posed by officials or employees
Provide legal protection if the requester follows the opinion
Help prevent violations before they happen
The regulations describe:
How to request an advisory opinion
What information must be provided
How opinions are reviewed and issued
8. Complaints and Investigations
Title 520 sets out how ethics complaints are handled, including:
Complaints:
May be filed by private individuals or the Commission itself
Must meet formal requirements
Are reviewed for legal sufficiency
Investigations:
Conducted confidentially at early stages
May involve subpoenas, interviews, and document review
Protect due process for the accused
9. Hearings and Due Process
If a case proceeds:
The respondent has the right to a formal hearing
Evidence is presented
Witnesses may testify
The Commission deliberates and issues findings
Title 520 emphasizes:
Fairness
Transparency at appropriate stages
Consistent procedures
10. Penalties and Sanctions
If a violation is found, Title 520 authorizes the Ethics Commission to impose sanctions, which may include:
Fines
Cease-and-desist orders
Public findings of violation
Other remedies allowed by law
The regulations explain how penalties are determined and the factors considered, such as intent, severity, and prior conduct.
11. Financial Disclosure
Certain public officials must file financial disclosure statements.
Title 520 covers:
Who must file
When filings are due
What must be disclosed
How disclosures are reviewed
Consequences for failing to file or filing inaccurately
12. Importance of Title 520
Title 520 is important because it:
Makes ethics rules clear and enforceable
Provides guidance instead of just punishment
Protects both the public and public servants
Helps maintain confidence in Rhode Island government
In short:
Title 520 is the operational rulebook of the Rhode Island Ethics Commission, explaining how ethics laws work in real situations, how officials can stay compliant, and how violations are handled.
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