The Vermont Statutes Online

Title 3 : Executive

Chapter 031 : Governmental Ethics

Subchapter 001 : General Provisions; State Code of Ethics

• § 1201. Definitions

  As used in this chapter:

  (1) “Candidate” and “candidate’s committee” have the same meanings as in 17 V.S.A. § 2901.

  (2) “Commission” means the State Ethics Commission established under subchapter 3 of this chapter.

  (3) “Confidential information” means information that is exempt from public inspection and copying under 1 V.S.A. § 315 et seq. or is otherwise designated by law as confidential.

  (4) “Domestic partner” means an individual in an enduring domestic relationship of a spousal nature with the Executive officer or the public servant, provided the individual and Executive officer or public servant:

  (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.

  (5) “Executive officer” means:

  (A) a State officer; or

  (B) under the Office of the Governor, an agency secretary or deputy or a department commissioner or deputy.

  (6) “Governmental conduct regulated by law” means conduct by an individual in regard to the operation of State government that is restricted or prohibited by law and includes:

  (A) bribery pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 1102;

  (B) neglect of duty by public officers pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 3006 and by members of boards and commissions pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 3007;

  (C) taking illegal fees pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 3010;

  (D) false claims against government pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 3016;

  (E) owning or being financially interested in an entity subject to a department’s supervision pursuant to section 204 of this title;

  (F) failing to devote time to duties of office pursuant to section 205 of this title;

  (G) engaging in retaliatory action due to a State employee’s involvement in a protected activity pursuant to chapter 27, subchapter 4A of this title;

  (H) a former legislator or former Executive officer serving as a lobbyist pursuant to 2 V.S.A. § 266(b); and

  (I) a former Executive officer serving as an advocate pursuant to section 267 of this title.

  (7) “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.

  (8) “Lobbyist” and “lobbying firm” have the same meanings as in 2 V.S.A. § 261.

  (9) “Person” means any individual, group, business entity, association, or organization.

  (10) “Political committee” and “political party” have the same meanings as in 17 V.S.A. § 2901.

  (11) “State officer” means the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Secretary of State, Auditor of Accounts, or Attorney General. (Added 2017, No. 79, § 7, eff. Jan. 1, 2018; amended 2021, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2022.)