Types of Opinions

Formal Advisory Opinions

Formal Advisory Opinions consider situations that may occur in a variety of jurisdictions or apply to a large number of public officials or employees. They are reviewed and approved by the Commission, numbered, and available on the Commission’s Web site.

Informal Advisory Opinions

Informal Advisory Opinions are issued to an individual under the authority of the Commission. They are also reviewed and approved by the Commission and available on the Commission’s Web site.

Staff Advisory Opinions

Staff Advisory Opinions are written by an advisory staff attorney and are not reviewed by the Commission in advance. However, they are based on prior Formal or Informal Advisory Opinions of the Commission. Staff Advisory Opinions are public records. Staff Advisory Opinions are typically not available on the Commission’s Web site, except at the direction of the Commission.