Opinions

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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.

What Do You Need Today?

What Are Advisory Opinions?

Advisory opinions provide guidance on how the Ohio Ethics Law applies to specific situations involving public officials and employees.

People who request and follow a written advisory opinion from the Ohio Ethics Commission may rely on that advice and receive immunity from criminal prosecution, civil suits, or removal from office based on the facts described in the opinion. Individuals in similar circumstances may also look to previously issued opinions for guidance.

If you need help finding or understanding an opinion, you can contact the Commission’s advisory staff. Staff cannot issue advisory opinions by phone or email, but they can answer questions about the law and help identify relevant opinions or other resources.

Types of Advisory 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 website.

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 website.

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.

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