Ohio Ethics Law
Topics
Topics
Conflicts of Interest
Ohio's Conflict of Interest law prohibits public officials or employees from acting on matters that definitely and directly affect themselves, their family members, or their business associates and therefore could affect the public official or employee’s ability to be objective.
A “conflict of interest” exists when a public official or employee’s ability to be an objective decision-maker could be affected by their own interests, or the interests of family members or business associates.
Conflicts of interest happen simply because – like everyone else – people in public service have families, businesses, property, investments, and other connections to their communities. While any of these connections could result in a conflict of interest, it is not illegal to have the conflict – rather, it’s illegal to act on the conflict.
When a conflict exists, a public servant must step aside and take no action on the matter.
For More Information
Conflicts of Interest Fact Sheet
Know when to step aside. Understand the rules for conflicts of interest.
- Table of Contents
- Overview of Conflicts of Interest
- Regulatory Matter Affecting a Public Official or Employee
- Holding Two Public Positions (aka Dual Public Service)
- Public Officials & Employees Serving on External Boards
- Property Matter Affecting Public Officials/Employees & Their Families
- Public Servants and Outside Businesses
- Rendering Services on a Matter Before Another Public Agency
- State Officials Rendering Services
- State Officials and Employees Selling Goods and Services
- Local Officials and Employees Rendering Services
- Exception for Non-Elected Officials
Commission Advice on Conflicts of Interest
Relevant Formal Advisory Opinions.