| The Rhode Island Ethics Commission is an independent, nonpartisan state agency that is authorized by the Rhode Island Constitution to adopt, administer, and enforce a Code of Ethics for all state and municipal public officials and employees. Rhode Island Constitution Article III, Sections 7 and 8. The Ethics Commission consists of nine private citizens appointed for 5-year terms, and is staffed by a team of attorneys, investigators, and administrative aides.
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| The Ethics Commission assists state and municipal officials and employees in complying with the Code of Ethics and its Financial Disclosure requirement, and responds to questions about the Code posed by public officials and employees facing potential conflicts of interest. The Commission’s educational program offers seminars and workshops and disseminates publications relating to the Code of Ethics. Complaints alleging violations of the Code of Ethics may be filed by members of the public with the Ethics Commission. Such complaints are public documents, and the Commission enforces the Code of Ethics through a combination of confidential investigations, hearings and public adjudications. Enforcement powers include civil penalties and, in some instances, the power to remove an official from office. |
