Advice

Find answers, ask a question, get guidance on Ohio Ethics Law

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Easily find advice using the search feature. For example, searching for family will return advice containing the word family.

You can also browse the Commission’s Formal Advisory Opinions, Informal Advisory Opinions, and Staff Advisory Opinions.

For assistance finding or understanding advice please call (614) 466-7090 and ask to speak with an Advisory Attorney.

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Featured Content

What is the Ethics Law?

Learn about Conflicts of Interest, Public Contracts, Gifts and more!

Fact Sheets

Ethics Law and Advisory Opinions explained in plain language (with examples!)

Formal Advisory Opinions

Jump right in and find Commission-issued guidance to ethics questions

Common Advice Topics

Conflicts of Interest

  • Can a city building inspector approve construction plans for his parents?
  • Can a county employee inspect the company owned by her sister?
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Gifts

  • Do I have to return the cookie tray sent by a vendor?
  • Can I take the professional football game ticket from the company my office regulates?
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Leaving Public Service

  • Can I apply for a job with an agency vendor?
  • Can a township employee work for a company regulated by the township post-retirement?
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Outside Businesses or Employment

  • Can I use my public work credentials to advertise my private business?
  • May my outside company pursue a contract with my agency?
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Dual Public Service

  • Can a state employee issue a grant to the college where she is adjunct?
  • Can a village police officer run for council in that village?
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Public Jobs and Family

  • Can my son apply for a job at my public agency?
  • Can I approve the union contract that would apply to my spouse?
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Land Use / Property Matters

  • Can zoning officials request zoning variances on their own properties?
  • Can a council member vote on a road extension that impacts her property value?
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Serving on Private Boards

  • Can I serve on the board of a non-profit that receives funds from my public agency?
  • Can I serve on a non-profit broad created by my agency?
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Public Contracts

  • Can a school board member’s child submit a contracting bid to the school district?
  • Can public employees or officials sell t-shirts to their public entity?
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