Vermont § 96 - Executive Order No. 3-96 (No. 04-22) [Executive Code of Ethics]

§ 96. Executive Order No. 3-96 (No. 04-22) [Executive Code of Ethics]

• WHEREAS, throughout the State of Vermont, dedicated public servants bring their talents
  and expertise to work on behalf of all Vermonters; and WHEREAS, it is essential to the proper operation of government that public officers
  be principled and impartial; that governmental decisions and policy be made fairly
  and impartially on the merits of the matter at issue; that public office not be used
  for private gain other than the remuneration provided by law; and that there be public
  confidence in the integrity of government; and WHEREAS, there is a risk that the attainment of one or more of these ends may be impaired
  whenever a conflict exists between the private interests of a public officer and their
  official responsibilities; and WHEREAS, it is also essential to the proper operation of government that those best
  qualified not be discouraged from serving as public officers by requiring them to
  relinquish totally the opportunity to further their interests, at least where such
  interests do not create irreconcilable conflicts with their official responsibilities;
  and WHEREAS, both the public and private sectors of Vermont are enriched by the healthy
  exchange of individuals who have hands-on knowledge and work experience in both the
  public and private sectors; and WHEREAS, in 2022, the Vermont General Assembly enacted Act 102, an act relating to
  the adoption of a State code of ethics (the “Act”), to establish for the first time
  an ethics code applicable to all three branches of government; and WHEREAS, for decades, successive governors have adopted an Executive Code of Ethics
  to effectively ensure fairness and impartiality in the conduct of State business,
  while at the same time encouraging the recruitment and retention of those best qualified
  to serve the State; and WHEREAS, the Executive Code of Ethics is hereby reaffirmed and updated in light of
  the enactment of the Act to maintain the rigorous standards of the Executive Code
  of Ethics as well as clarify processes and definitions consistent with the Act. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Philip B. Scott, by virtue of the authority
  vested in me as Governor, do hereby promulgate the following Executive Code of Ethics. All State employees shall be subject to the Act. All Appointees (as defined herein)
  shall be subject to provisions of this Executive Code of Ethics as well as the Act.
  Nothing in this Executive Code of Ethics shall exempt an Appointee from any other
  requirement of law or any duly adopted State personnel policy. When a question arises
  regarding conflicting terms of this Executive Code of Ethics and the Act, the more
  restrictive requirement shall apply. To assure adherence to this Executive Code of Ethics, all future Appointees, and any
  current Appointees who have not signed an acknowledgment with respect to Executive
  Order No. 19-17 (codified as Executive Order No. 3-84), will be asked to sign the
  acknowledgment attached hereto as Exhibit A and submit it to the Secretary. The Secretary
  shall have the authority to interpret the provisions of this Code as they relate to
  the circumstances of an Executive Officer and to issue exemptions from this Code when
  there is good cause to proceed in accordance with the Act. All such interpretations
  and exemptions shall be written and kept by the Secretary in the same manner as the
  Conflict Questionnaires. I. Definitions As used in this Executive Order: “Appointee” means any member of a Public Body appointed by or upon the approval of
  the Governor, including Executive Officers, or any exempt employee appointed by or
  upon the approval of such an Appointee. “Appearance of a Conflict of Interest” means the impression that a reasonable person
  might have, after full disclosure of the facts, that an Appointee’s judgment might
  be significantly influenced by outside interests, even though there may be no actual
  Conflict of Interest. “Confidential information” means information that is designated by law as confidential,
  or may be determined to be exempt from disclosure in accordance with the State Access
  to Records Law (1 V.S.A. § 315et seq.). “Conflict of Interest” means a direct or indirect interest of an Appointee or such
  an interest, known to the Appointee, of a member of their Immediate Family or household,
  or of a business associate, in the outcome of a particular matter pending before the
  Appointee or their Public Body, or that is in conflict with the proper discharge of
  the Appointee’s duties. “Conflict of Interest” does not include any interest that
  (i) is no greater than that of other persons generally affected by the outcome of
  a matter (such as a policyholder in an insurance company or a depositor in a bank),
  or (ii) has been disclosed to the Secretary by an Executive Officer or to an Executive
  Officer by all other Appointees and the Secretary, or Executive Officer, as appropriate,
  has found good cause to proceed so that the Appointee can take action in a matter
  fairly, objectively and in the public interest. “Domestic partner” means an individual in an enduring domestic relationship of a spousal
  nature with the Appointee, provided the individual and the Appointee: a) have shared a residence for at least six consecutive months; b) are at least 18 years of age; c) are not married to or considered a domestic partner of another individual; d) are not related by blood closer than would bar marriage under State law; and e) have agreed between themselves to be responsible for each other’s welfare. “Executive Officer” means an agency secretary or deputy or a department commissioner
  or deputy. “Full-time Appointee” means any Appointee receiving a salary for State service over
  $30,000. “Gift” means anything of value, tangible or intangible, that is given for less than
  adequate consideration. “Good cause to proceed,” to be determined by the Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs
  in the case of Executive Officers, and Executive Officers in the case of other Appointees
  may include any of the following: a) an identified Conflict of Interest, potential Conflict of Interest or Appearance of
  a Conflict of Interest is de minimis in nature; b) the Conflict of Interest is amorphous, intangible, or otherwise speculative; or c) the Appointee cannot legally or practically delegate the matter. “Immediate family” means an individual’s spouse, domestic partner, or civil union
  partner; child or foster child; sibling; parent; or such relations by marriage or
  by civil union or domestic partnership; or an individual claimed as a dependent for
  federal income tax purposes. “Person” means any individual or Private Entity. “Private Entity” is any business entity, partnership, joint venture, association,
  organization or group, whether organized for profit or not for profit, except those
  specifically chartered by the State of Vermont or which relies upon taxes for at least
  fifty percent (50%) of its revenues. “Public Body” means any State agency, department, division or office and any board
  or commission of any such entity or any independent board or commission in the executive
  branch of the State. “Secretary” shall, unless otherwise specified, mean the Secretary of Civil and Military
  Affairs. II. General Conduct An Appointee must conduct the affairs of their office in such a manner as to instill
  public trust and confidence in the integrity of State government. Further, Appointees
  have a responsibility to act as examples and set a civil and respectful tone in the
  public discourse. A. Thus, an Appointee shall always, and without exception, be honest, helpful and fully
  committed to the principle that all authority is derived from the people, and therefore,
  all officers of government, whether legislative or executive, are servants of the
  people and at all times, in a legal way, accountable to them. [VT. Const., Ch I, Article 6] B. Appointees shall take all reasonable steps to avoid any action or circumstances, including
  acts or circumstances which may not be specifically prohibited by this Code or the
  Act, which might result in: (1) Undermining their independence or impartiality or action; (2) Taking official action based on unfair considerations; (3) Giving preferential treatment to any private interest or Person based on unfair considerations; (4) Giving preferential treatment to any Immediate Family member or member of the Appointee’s
  household; (5) Representing an ability to give preference or special treatment to any Person because
  of the Person’s wealth, position, or status or because of any personal relationship
  with Appointee; (6) Using public office for the advancement of personal interest; (7) Using public office to secure special privileges or exemptions; (8) Adversely affecting the confidence of the public in the integrity of State government;
  or (9) Undermining the climate of civility and respect required for every open, democratic
  government to thrive. C. Every Appointee shall be true and faithful to the State of Vermont and will not, directly
  or indirectly, do any act or thing injurious to the Constitution or Government of
  the State of Vermont. Every Appointee will faithfully execute the office which they
  hold and will therein do equal right and justice to all men and women, to the best
  of their judgment and ability, according to law. [VT. Const., Ch II, Section 56] D. Appointees shall always treat each other, employees, staff, volunteers and the public
  with dignity, respect, empathy and courtesy. E. Appointees shall support efforts to create and maintain a diverse and effective work
  force. F. Appointees shall promote a workplace that is free from sexual harassment, or inappropriate
  personal relationships, and shall take quick and effective action to ensure that sexual
  harassment does not occur or persist. G. Every Full-Time Appointee shall devote their worktime to the duties of their office. H. An Appointee shall not use State property nor permit others to use State property
  unless the use is reasonably related to their official responsibilities or the conduct
  is permitted pursuant to a duly adopted State or agency personnel policy. I. An Appointee shall not enter into any commitment to expend State funds unless the
  expenditure is reasonable and valuable to the State and made in accordance with all
  applicable statutes, rules, directives or Bulletins from the Secretary of the Agency
  of Administration. J. An Appointee shall be in good standing with respect to, or in full compliance with
  a plan to pay, all taxes due the United States, the State of Vermont and the municipality
  of residence. An Appointee shall be in good standing with respect to, or in full compliance
  with a plan to pay, all child support obligations. K. Within the first 120 days of public service, an Appointee shall engage in State-sponsored
  training on issues related to the Act of Ethics, sexual harassment and racial equity
  and implicit bias. Full-Time Appointees must complete this training at least annually. L. An Appointee shall not direct another person to act in a manner that would be unethical
  for the Appointee or the other person to act. An Appointee who has a conflict of interest
  shall not direct others to act for the Appointee’s benefit where the action would
  be a violation of this Executive Code of Ethics or the Act if the Appointee were to
  perform the act. III. Personal Interests, Outside Employment and Financial Activities A. Ethical Rules While Employed by the State: (1) No Full-Time Appointee shall be the owner of, or financially interested, directly
  or indirectly, in any Person subject to the supervision their respective Public Body,
  except any interest which is no greater than that of other persons who might be generally
  affected by the supervision of the Appointee’s Public Body such as a policy holder
  in an insurance company or a depositor in a bank. (See also 3 V.S.A. § 204). (2) An Appointee shall not take any action in any matter in which they have either a Conflict
  of Interest or the Appearance of a Conflict of Interest, until the Conflict is resolved
  one of two ways: a. Disclosure of the Conflict made by an Executive Officer to the Secretary or the Appointee’s
  appointing Executive Officer and recusal from the matter. Once recused, an Appointee
  shall not participate in or act to influence a decision regarding the matter. b. If an Appointee chooses to proceed with a matter where there may be a Conflict of
  Interest or the Appearance of a Conflict of Interest, an Executive Officer shall seek
  a determination by the Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs or other Appointees
  shall seek a determination from their appointing Executive Officer with a written
  statement which shall: 1. describe the matter requiring action; 2. disclose the nature of the potential Conflict, actual Conflict or Appearance of a
  Conflict of Interest; 3. explain why good cause to proceed exists so that the Appointee can take action in
  the matter fairly, objectively, and in the public interest and include sufficient
  detail so that the matter may be understood by the public; and 4. in all cases, be filed with the Secretary. Exemptions sought under this Code shall be issued only to further the twin goals of
  this Code: i) to establish high standards of ethical conduct for all Appointees and
  ii) to encourage those Vermonters best qualified to serve in State government. (3) An Appointee shall not take any official action that materially advances the interest
  of any Person with which the Appointee is actively seeking employment. (4) A full-time Appointee shall not, for personal or financial gain, be an advocate for
  any Person in any matter before any Public Body or before the State General Assembly
  or its committees. (5) An Appointee shall not seek or engage in outside employment or activities that are
  inconsistent, incompatible or in conflict with the Appointee’s official duties. (6) Except in the event (i) a specific law, rule or regulation requires disclosure, or
  (ii) the State has entered into a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement consistent
  with applicable State or federal law, regulation, rule or policy, an Appointee shall
  not disclose to any Person any confidential or privileged information obtained while
  employed by the State. (7) An Appointee shall not use nonpublic government information or confidential information
  acquired during the course of State service for personal or financial gain or for
  the personal or financial gain of any other person. (8) An Appointee or their family shall not trade in stock or otherwise transact private
  business based upon information obtained by the Appointee through their work on behalf
  of the State, or otherwise use nonpublic or confidential government information acquired
  during the course of State service for personal or financial gain or for the personal
  or financial gain of any other Person. (9) Appointees will use State-provided equipment, property, facilities and official email
  addresses for primarily State business purposes. Personal use shall be de minimus
  and must not: (i) interfere with normal business activities; or (ii) be associated
  with any outside for-profit business activity of the Appointee. An Appointee shall
  not engage in or direct another person to engage in work other than the performance
  of official duties during working hours. (10) Appointees are strongly encouraged to engage in electronic communications regarding
  official business only on their official email accounts. If private accounts must
  be used, Appointees shall copy their official email accounts on all such outgoing
  communications and forward any received messages on which their official emails are
  not copied. If substantive discussion (not otherwise documented) relating to the work
  of the Public Body occurs on a text-messaging system, such discussion is to be copied
  to a separate public record format (such as by copying the relevant text messages
  to the appointee’s official email). (11) Email messages and other electronic data produced or acquired in the course of the
  business of the Public Body is considered a public record subject to disclosure under
  the Vermont Public Records Act, regardless of whether the record resides in a State-provided
  system or a private account; provided, however, solely for purposes of this subsection,
  “public body” does not include councils or similar groups established by the Governor
  for the sole purposes of advising the Governor with respect to policies. Upon receipt
  of a records request, Appointees shall provide their Records Officers all responsive
  records in their own custody and control. B. Ethical Rules After State Employment: (1) For one year after leaving office, a former Appointee shall not, for personal or financial
  gain, be an advocate for any Person before any Public Body or before the State General
  Assembly or its committees, regarding any particular matter in which: a. the State is a party or has a direct and substantial interest; and b. the Appointee had participated personally and substantively while employed by the
  State. (2) This prohibition applies to any matter the Appointee directly handled, supervised
  or managed, or gave substantial input, advice or comment, or benefited from, either
  through discussing, attending meetings on, or reviewing materials prepared regarding
  the matter. (3) After leaving office, a former Appointee shall not, with the intent to advocate for
  an outcome of an investigation, application, ruling, license, contract, claim, rulemaking,
  charge, arrest, or quasi-judicial or judicial proceeding, communicate with or appear
  before any Public Body or before the State General Assembly or its committees, on
  matters regarding specific parties in which the Appointee participated personally
  and substantively during their time in office and in which the State is a party or
  has a direct and substantial interest. (4) Subject to exemptions set forth in 2 V.S.A. § 262, for one year after leaving office, an Executive Officer, shall not be a lobbyist
  (as defined in 2 V.S.A. § 261), in this State. IV. Gifts A. Prohibited Gifts. While the Act limits the acceptance of certain gifts by public servants,
  it is essential the Appointees of the Governor understand a gift given to a public
  servant may have the appearance of being given either as a quid pro quo or to influence official action. The monetary value of the gift is not the issue.
  Notwithstanding the Act, for purposes of this Executive Code of Ethics: (1) An Appointee, while employed by the State, shall not solicit or receive any payment, gift or favor based on any understanding which may be reasonably implied
  by the Appointee or inferred by the donor, that it may influence any official action. (2) An Appointee shall not solicit or receive any payment, gift or favor from any Person which has, or seeks to obtain, contractual
  or other business or financial relationships with the Appointee’s Public Body; conducts
  business or activities that are regulated by the Appointee’s Public Body; or has an
  interest that may be substantially affected by the Appointee’s official actions. (3) An Appointee, or their designee, shall not solicit or accept gifts or trips from Persons
  if the gifts or trips (i) are a quid pro quo; (ii) are intended to influence any decision by the Appointee; or (iii) create an
  appearance of a Conflict of Interest. B. Except as set forth in Section IV(A) above, Appointees may accept gifts as set forth
  in the Act (3 V.S.A. § 1203g). V. Reports A. Appointees Within 30 days of appointment and thereafter, on or before January 15th of a new biennium,
  every Full-Time Appointee shall file with the Secretary an “Ethics Questionnaire”
  as prescribed in Exhibit B. These questionnaires shall be treated as confidential
  personal records as set forth in 1 VSA § 317(b)(7) and kept as such during the gubernatorial administration in which the Appointee serves,
  or for one year after the Appointee leaves office, whichever occurs first, at which
  point they will be destroyed. B. Executive Officers (3 V.S.A. § 1211) In addition to the reporting required in Section V(A) above, each Executive Officer shall file a
  disclosure form with the State Ethics Commission in accordance with 3 V.S.A. § 1211. VI. Enforcement The purpose of this Executive Code of Ethics is to provide guidance to Appointees
  covered herein. During such appointment, except as otherwise required by law, only
  the Governor or his designated agent shall have the power to sanction any violations
  hereof. Nothing in this Code shall create a right to continue State employment. The
  remedy for a violation of post-employment restrictions set forth in Section III(B)
  shall rest with the Public Body before which the former Appointee appears and, barring
  unusual circumstances, shall result only in disqualifying the former Appointee from
  appearing or participating in the matter. VII. Effective Date. Except as otherwise required by law, this Executive Order supersedes and replaces
  Executive Order No. 19-17 (codified as No. 3-84), dated December 4, 2017. This Executive
  Order shall take effect upon signing. Dated September 29, 2022. CODE OF ETHICS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I, ______ , having been appointed to the position of ______ , hereby acknowledge having received and read Executive Order 04-22, the Executive
  Code of Ethics, promulgated on September 29, 2022, and agree to adhere to it. Signature: ____________ Date: _________________________________________ Name (print): __________ OATH OF OFFICE I, ______ , do solemnly swear/affirm that I will be true and faithful to the State of Vermont,
  and that I will not, directly or indirectly, do any act or thing injurious to the
  Constitution or Government thereof. So help me God. / Under the pains and penalties
  of perjury. I ______ , do solemnly swear/affirm that I will faithfully execute the Office of ______ , for the State of Vermont, and that I will therein do equal right and justice to
  all persons, to the best of my judgment and ability according to law. So help me God.
  / Under the pains and penalties of perjury. I ______ , do solemnly swear/affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States.
  So help me God. / Under the pains and penalties of perjury. Signature: __________ [Oath must be administered by a Notary unless otherwise administered in accordance
  with law by the Governor, a Supreme Court Justice, Superior Court Judge, Assistant
  Judge, Justice of the Peace or the Presiding Officer, Secretary or Clerk of either
  house of the General Assembly.] STATE OF VERMONT ______ COUNTY, SS At _____ , in said County, this ____ day of ______ , 202__, personally appeared ______ and took and subscribed the foregoing oath of office and allegiance. Before Me, __________ Notary Public My Commission expires __________ EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 04-22 EXHIBIT B ETHICS QUESTIONNAIRE In accordance with the Executive Order No. 04-22 Executive Code of Ethics, every Appointee,
  as defined therein, who earns $30,000 or more per year, shall fill out and file this
  questionnaire at the start of a new biennium, on or by January 15, or within 30 days
  of appointment, with the Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs. This questionnaire
  shall be treated as a confidential personnel document pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 317(c)(7) and kept as such during the gubernatorial administration in which the Appointee serves,
  or for one year after the Appointee leaves office, whichever occurs first. The purpose of this questionnaire is to determine any significant personal interests
  of Appointees that might conflict with the best interests of the state. It is understood
  that individuals serving the state as Appointees may have personal or financial interests
  that may relate to matters arising in the course of their performance of the official
  responsibilities. This form is intended to identify those interests and provide assurance
  that conflicts of interest will not impair fair and impartial state actions. Appointees
  must avoid Conflicts of Interest and, where they do occur, must disclose them to the
  Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs. In answering questions, please disclose not only your own direct interests but also
  any indirect or beneficial interests which could arise through members of your Immediate
  Family or through persons who reside in your home or by reason of a trust or partnership
  arrangement in which you or a member of your Immediate Family or household participates
  or has an interest. (Use reverse side or an additional sheet of paper to give additional information,
  if necessary.) 1. Are you, your spouse, or a member of your Immediate Family the director, officer,
  partner or employee of any Person that, to your knowledge, does business or has a
  financial relationship with the State of Vermont? If yes, please list all such positions. Yes ____ No ____ 2. To the best of your knowledge, except for securities that are listed on a national
  exchange, do you own directly, indirectly, or beneficially, securities, options, or
  rights to purchase securities or share in profits of companies doing business with
  the State? If yes, list company and percent of total shares. Yes ____ No ____ 3. Do you directly, indirectly or beneficially, have any ownership interest in a proprietorship,
  partnership or syndicate that, to your knowledge, operates any business which does
  business with the State? If yes, explain briefly. Yes ____ No ____ 4. To the best of your knowledge, does there currently exist any creditor-debtor relationship
  between you, directly or indirectly, and any non-financial organization doing business
  with the State, except normal charge accounts and installment purchase accounts? If
  yes, explain briefly. Yes ____ No ____ 5. Are you receiving commissions or any forms of compensation, gift or reward on business
  transacted with the State either directly or through a third person? If yes, explain
  briefly. Yes ____ No ____ 6. In addition to the information reported above, do you have any direct or indirect
  business relationships which may reasonably be considered to have some influence on
  your judgment and decisions involving transactions with the State, or otherwise during
  the performance of your duties and responsibilities as an Appointee? If yes, explain
  briefly. Yes ____ No ____ 7. Are you in good standing with respect to, or in full compliance with a plan to pay,
  any and all taxes due the United States, the State of Vermont and the municipality
  of residence? If no, explain. Yes ____ No ____ 8. If you are under an obligation to pay child support, are you in good standing with
  respect to that obligation? Yes ____ No ____ N/A ____ If no, have you entered into a payment plan with the Vermont Office of Child Support
  and are you in full compliance with that payment plan? Yes ____ No ____ 9. I agree to disassociate myself from situations where possible conflicts of interest
  pertaining to any matter addressed in this questionnaire might occur, when requested
  by the Governor or the Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs. 10. To the best of my knowledge, the answers to all the above questions are true and complete
  in every respect. Signed _________________________________________ Date: _________________________________________ Name (printed): _________________________________________ Position: _________________________________________